Transport properties of dilute alloys

The review introduces the reader to a theoretical method describing the tra nsport properties of dilute alloys on an ab initio basis. The calculations start from density or spin density functional theory using a Green function formalism to investigate the underlying electronic structure of the ideal and perturbed system on equal footing. The residual resistivity is calculat ed solving the quasiclassical Boltzmann equation. The theory is outlined an d various methods and approximations developed to solve the transport equat ion are reviewed and compared with respect to accuracy and validity. It wil l be demonstrated that the theory is able to quantitatively account. The su ccess and limitations of these calculations are discussed for a large varie ty of systems, non-magnetic and ferromagnetic, in comparison with experimen tal results. It will be shown that these calculations confirm empirical rul es and concepts, elucidate the microscopic processes behind the trends and can be used to make a theoretical material design.