SURFACE STATISTICAL THERMODYNAMICS FOR NONSPECULAR BOUNDARY REFLECTION IN A QUANTIZING MAGNETIC-FIELD

In this work we consider a model boundary condition representing nonspecular electron wave-function reflection at a surface, having a parameter characterizing the measure of diffuseness of reflection. We carry out an analysis of the surface statistical thermodynamic functions to determine their dependence on the diffuseness parameter. In this, we examine the surface density and state density, surface partition function, surface grand potential and Helmholtz free energy, surface internal energy, and surface magnetization and specific heat. We incorporate the role of a quantizing magnetic field, and treat both nondegenerate and degenerate statistical regimes, including de Haasvan Alphen oscillatory phenomena as well as the quantum strong-field limit. © 1990 The American Physical Society.