Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

Characterization of Thermal Transport in One-dimensional Solid Materials
Published on: January 26, 2014
Similarity of scattering rates in metals showing T-linear resistivity
J A N Bruin1, H Sakai, R S Perry
1Scottish Universities Physics Alliance, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, UK.
Abstract:
Many exotic compounds, such as cuprate superconductors and heavy fermion materials, exhibit a linear in temperature (T) resistivity, the origin of which is not well understood. We found that the resistivity of the quantum critical metal Sr(3)Ru(2)O(7) is also T-linear at the critical magnetic field of 7.9 T. Using the precise existing data for the Fermi surface topography and quasiparticle velocities of Sr(3)Ru(2)O(7), we show that in the region of the T-linear resistivity, the scattering rate per kelvin is well approximated by the ratio of the Boltzmann constant to the Planck constant divided by 2π. Extending the analysis to a number of other materials reveals similar results in the T-linear region, in spite of large differences in the microscopic origins of the scattering.
Related Concept Videos
Theory of Metallic Conduction
In this theory, Newton's second law of motion is used to determine the acceleration of an electron in the presence of an applied electric field. Then, its velocity is expressed via this acceleration.
An electron moves through the crystal, containing positive ions,...
Resistivity
Ohm's Law
This current-resisting behavior of resistors is governed by Ohm's law, which states that the voltage across a resistor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it.
Ohm's Law
Electrical Conductivity
In a practical conductor, an applied electric field may be sustained, causing a flow of electrons, which produce a current. The differential form of the current, the current density, is related to the electric field.
More generally, it is related to the force per unit charge, which involves the...
Current Density

