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The Fermi–Dirac distribution function gives the probability that an available energy state \(E\) is occupied by an electron at absolute temperature \(T\):

\[ f(E)=\frac{1}{1+e^{(E-E_F)/kT}} \]

Terms: \(f(E)\) = occupation probability (between 0 and 1); \(E\) = energy of the state; \(E_F\) = Fermi energy (Fermi level); \(k\) = Boltzmann constant \(=1.38\times10^{-23}\) J/K; \(T\) = absolute temperature in kelvin.

Behaviour: at \(T=0\) K, \(f(E)=1\) for \(E<E_F\) and \(f(E)=0\) for \(E>E_F\), so every state below \(E_F\) is filled and every state above it is empty. At \(T>0\) K, \(f(E_F)=\tfrac12\). So the Fermi level is the energy level whose probability of occupation is 50% at any temperature above 0 K.

Doubtly AI · 25 Oct 2026 AI-verified · Oct 2026 Report
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