Year: 2006
Type: article
Abstract: A tall barrier superlattice structure based on mercury cadmium telluride material system is proposed that can achieve a large effective thermoelectric figure of merit (ZTmax∼3) at cryogenic temperatures. Calculations based on the Boltzmann transport equation taking into account the quantum mechanical electron transmission show that the Seebeck coefficient can be increased significantly at low temperatures with the use of nonplanar barriers as the thermal spreading of the electron density is tightened around the Fermi level. This provides a better asymmetric differential conductivity around the Fermi level close to the top of the barrier. Consequently, a high thermoelectric power factor is produced resulting in a large ZT.
Source: Applied Physics Letters
DOI: 10.1063/1.2191094
Authors: Daryoosh Vashaee, Ali Shakouri
Institution: University of California, Santa Cruz
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2141547413