Thermoelectric figure of merit of superlattices

Journal Article · Sun Nov 20 23:00:00 EST 1994 · Applied Physics Letters; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.112607· OSTI ID:6892443

Sofo, J O; Mahan, G D ^[1]

---

1. Solid State Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P.O. Box 2008, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6030 (United States) Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-1200 (United States)

We calculate the electrical conductivity, thermopower, and the electronic contribution to the thermal conductivity of a superlattice, with the electric field and the thermal gradient applied parallel to the interfaces. We include the tunneling between quantum wells. The broadening of the lowest subband when the period of the superlattice is decreased produces a reduction of the thermoelectric figure of merit. However, we found that a moderate increase of the figure of merit may be expected for intermediate values of the period, due to the enhancement of the density of states produced by the superlattice structure.

• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 6892443
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters; (United States), Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters; (United States) Vol. 65:21; ISSN APPLAB; ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360606* -- Other Materials-- Physical Properties-- (1992-)
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTRONIC SPECIFIC HEAT
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SPECIFIC HEAT
SUPERLATTICES
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
THERMOELECTRIC COOLERS
THERMOELECTRIC PROPERTIES
TUNNELING