Van Hove Singularities — Phonon DOS

The density of states g(ω) diverges at critical points of ω(k) where ∇_k ω = 0. In 1D: g(ω) ~ (ω_max−ω)^{−1/2} (inverse square-root). In 2D: logarithmic divergence. In 3D: kink singularities. Watch the DOS shape change with dimensionality.

Dispersion ω(k)
Density of States g(ω)
0.00
0.020
1D: g(ω) ~ (ωmax−ω)^{-1/2} at band edge