Relativistic Band Structure and Electronic Properties of SnTe, GeTe, and PbTe

The electronic energy band structures of SnTe, GeTe, and PbTe are calculated including spin-orbit interactions. The resulting band structures are used to discuss some of the electronic properties of these crystals and to calculate the intervalley deformation potential for electron-phonon scattering in SnTe. The value obtained for the deformation potential is consistent with the value used to explain the superconducting properties of SnTe.