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Reference.org
Wannier function
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<p>The Wannier functions are a complete set of <a href="/facts/Orthogonal_functions/2MmN826Q">orthogonal functions</a> used in <a href="/facts/Solid-state_physics/Cmc6hvyR">solid-state physics</a>. They were introduced by <a href="/facts/Gregory_Wannier/3FARcvuY">Gregory Wannier</a> in 1937. Wannier functions are the <a href="/facts/Localized_molecular_orbitals/IesHFrNx">localized molecular orbitals</a> of crystalline systems. </p><p>The Wannier functions for different lattice sites in a <a href="/facts/Crystal/e2R2mk3E">crystal</a> are orthogonal, allowing a convenient basis for the expansion of <a href="/facts/Electron/L0KBo5cW">electron</a> states in certain regimes. Wannier functions have found widespread use, for example, in the analysis of binding forces acting on electrons. </p>