How Strong Can the Electron-Phonon Interaction in Metals Be?

Explore the limits of electron-phonon interaction strength in metals through this comprehensive lecture by Emil Yuzbashyan from the PCS Institute for Basic Science. Delve into the concept of dimensionless electron-phonon coupling λ and discover its critical value beyond which metals experience structural instability and undergo a metal-insulator transition. Examine the implications of this phenomenon on the upper bound of superconducting Tc in conventional superconductors, measured in units of characteristic phonon frequency. Compare these theoretical upper bounds on λ and Tc with existing experimental data to gain a deeper understanding of the physical constraints in metallic systems. This 1-hour and 25-minute talk provides valuable insights into the fundamental principles governing electron-phonon interactions and their impact on material properties.