Fermi Dirac Distribution Calculator

Model quantum occupancy across energy levels and temperatures. Analyze state probabilities with reliable physics-focused calculation outputs.

Input Parameters

Example Data Table

Energy E (eV) Occupation Probability f(E) Occupied States N·f(E)
0.1000 0.99956353 999,563.53
0.2000 0.95684522 956,845.22
0.2800 0.50000000 500,000.00
0.3600 0.04315478 43,154.78
0.5000 0.00043359 433.59

Distribution Plot

The graph tracks how occupation probability changes with energy, highlights the submitted point, and marks the selected Fermi level.

Formula Used

The Fermi-Dirac distribution gives the probability that a quantum state at energy E is occupied by a fermion in thermal equilibrium:

f(E) = 1 / [exp((E - Ef) / (kT)) + 1]

Here, Ef is the Fermi energy, k is the Boltzmann constant, and T is absolute temperature. The calculator also estimates occupied states using N · f(E) and electron count using g · N · f(E), where g is degeneracy and N is the available state count.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the target energy level and reference Fermi energy in electron volts.
  2. Provide temperature in kelvin and confirm the Boltzmann constant value.
  3. Set degeneracy, available states, and the energy range for plotting.
  4. Choose sample points for the distribution sweep across the chart.
  5. Press Submit to show the result section above the form.
  6. Use the export buttons to download the computed summary as CSV or PDF.

Article

Occupation Probability Around Ef

Fermi-Dirac statistics describe the chance that a fermionic state is occupied at thermal equilibrium. This calculator converts energy, Fermi energy, and temperature into a probability between zero and one. States below the Fermi level are usually highly occupied, states above it are weakly occupied, and E equal to Ef gives 0.5 exactly. That midpoint is a reliable validation checkpoint.

Temperature Broadening and kT

Temperature sets the steepness of the distribution curve. Low temperature keeps the transition sharp, while higher temperature broadens it and redistributes population around Ef. The main energy scale is kT, and 4kT is a practical broadening estimate. Near 300 K, kT is about 0.0259 eV, so small energy shifts can materially change occupancy in semiconductor calculations.

Normalized Energy Offset

The core term is (E minus Ef) divided by kT. A strong negative value means the state is almost filled. A strong positive value means it is almost empty. A value near zero places the energy inside the transition zone. Because the ratio is dimensionless, it lets users compare different temperatures on a consistent physical basis for analysis and reporting.

From Probability to Occupied States

The calculator also estimates occupied states with N multiplied by f(E). That translates probability into a useful count tied to available states. Including degeneracy extends the estimate to g times N times f(E). If N equals 1,000,000 and f(E) equals 0.62, the occupied-state estimate becomes 620,000 before degeneracy scaling.

Why the Graph Matters

The graph shows how occupancy changes across the selected energy interval and marks the submitted energy on the curve. A steep drop indicates limited thermal smearing, while a gentler drop indicates stronger temperature influence. When the marker lies near the midpoint, the operating condition is sensitive and small input changes can noticeably shift occupation probability during parametric studies.

Useful Physics and Engineering Context

This calculation supports semiconductor analysis, carrier statistics, solid-state teaching, and quick electronic screening. It helps identify whether a level is nearly full, half occupied, or nearly empty under specified conditions. Although it does not replace a full density-of-states integral, it provides fast, traceable insight for reports, design reviews, classroom demonstrations, preliminary modeling, educational lab exercises, and validation.

FAQs

1. What does a result of 0.5 mean?

It means the evaluated energy equals the Fermi energy at the chosen temperature. That state has a fifty percent occupation probability under thermal equilibrium.

2. Why does probability decrease above the Fermi level?

States above the Fermi reference require more thermal excitation to be occupied. As energy rises, the exponential term grows, so occupancy falls rapidly.

3. Can this calculator be used for semiconductors?

Yes. It is useful for quick semiconductor occupancy estimates, especially when comparing energy levels near conduction, valence, or defect-related references.

4. What is the meaning of 4kT?

4kT is a practical estimate of the thermal broadening region around the Fermi level. It helps describe how wide the transition zone becomes.

5. Why include degeneracy and available states?

They convert probability into estimated occupied counts. That makes the output easier to interpret for physical systems with multiple equivalent states.

6. Does this replace a full density-of-states model?

No. It evaluates occupancy at selected energies and sample points. Full carrier modeling usually also integrates a density-of-states function across energy.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.