Abstract
Density functional theory, the free-electron empty lattice approximation and the nearly free-electron approximation are employed to investigate the electronic properties of partially covalent alpha-Ga. Whereas free-electron-like properties are revealed over a large energy range, a deep pseudogap at the Fermi level is characteristic of alpha-Ga. We explain the origin of the pseudogap in terms of a delicate interplay between the electronic states and the specific Brillouin zone geometry.