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Low-temperature phonon-drag thermoelectric power in heterojunctions

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev. B: Condens. Matter; (United States)

The phonon-drag contribution to the thermoelectric power is calculated at low temperatures in polar semiconductor heterostructures. Carriers are assumed to interact with longitudinal acoustic phonons through deformation potential and with both longitudinal and transverse acoustic phonons through piezoelectric field. The magnitude and the temperature dependence of the phonon-drag contribution calculated without any adjustable parameter agree reasonably well with recent data from Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-//sub x/As/GaAs heterolayer. Both piezoelectric scattering and deformation potential scattering yield comparable contributions in the temperature range studied (i.e., below 10 K), although the former (latter) contribution becomes more important below (above) 3--4 K. Dielectric screening is found to reduce the phonon-drag thermopower significantly.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185
OSTI ID:
6780686
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev. B: Condens. Matter; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. B: Condens. Matter; (United States) Vol. 38:9; ISSN PRBMD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English