Weak Localization Effects On The Electron-Phonon Interaction In Disordered Metals

TL;DR

This paper investigates how weak localization affects the electron-phonon interaction in disordered metals, revealing its impact on various physical properties and confirming empirical and universal correlations.

Contribution

It demonstrates that weak localization causes similar corrections to multiple physical quantities influenced by electron-phonon interactions in disordered metals.

Findings

Weak localization reduces the temperature dependence of resistance.

It causes decoupling of electrons and phonons in disordered metals.

Corrections to thermal resistivity, heat capacity, and ultrasonic attenuation are observed.

Abstract

Weak localization has a strong influence on both the normal and superconducting properties of metals. In particular, since weak localization leads to the decoupling of electrons and phonons, the temperature dependence of resistance decreases with increasing disorder, as manifested by Mooij's empirical rule. In addition, Testardi's universal correlation of Tc and the resistance ratio follows. We show that weak localization leads to the similar correction to other physical quantities, such as electronic thermal resistivity, electronic heat capacity, and ultrasonic attenuation, which are controlled by the electron-phonon interaction.