# Tight binding model

By [Kofev](https://paragraph.com/@kofev) · 2021-10-10

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In [solid-state physics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_physics), the **tight-binding model** (or **TB model**) is an approach to the calculation of [electronic band structure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_band_structure) using an approximate set of [wave functions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_function) based upon [superposition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_superposition) of wave functions for isolated [atoms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atom) located at each atomic site. The method is closely related to the [LCAO method](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_combination_of_atomic_orbitals) (linear combination of atomic orbitals method) used in chemistry. Tight-binding models are applied to a wide variety of solids. The model gives good qualitative results in many cases and can be combined with other models that give better results where the tight-binding model fails. Though the tight-binding model is a one-electron model, the model also provides a basis for more advanced calculations like the calculation of [surface states](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_states) and application to various kinds of [many-body problem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Many-body_problem) and [quasiparticle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quasiparticle) calculations.

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*Originally published on [Kofev](https://paragraph.com/@kofev/tight-binding-model)*