What does "Fermi Velocity" mean?

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Fermi velocity is a term used to describe the speed at which electrons move in a material. In simple terms, it helps us understand how fast electrons can travel through different substances.

When we talk about materials like topological insulators or twisted bilayer graphene, the Fermi velocity plays a crucial role in their behavior. It is closely related to how electrons behave at particular energy levels, especially around the Fermi level, which is the highest energy level occupied by electrons at absolute zero temperature.

In certain materials, the Fermi velocity can change based on different factors, such as the arrangement of atoms or the presence of other materials nearby. This can lead to interesting effects, like changes in electrical conductivity or the formation of new electronic states.

Understanding the Fermi velocity helps researchers learn more about the properties of materials and how they can be used in various applications, like electronics or superconductors.