Sputter deposition of multilayer thermoelectric films: An approach to the fabrication of two-dimensional quantum wells
- Chemistry and Materials Science Department, University of California, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, California 94550 (United States)
- Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02139 (United States)
The relative efficiency of a thermoelectric material is measured in terms of a dimensionless figure of merit, {ital ZT}. Though all known thermoelectric materials are believed to have {ital ZT}{le}1, recent theoretical results predict that thermoelectric devices fabricated as two-dimensional quantum wells (2D QWs) or one-dimensional (1D) quantum wires could have {ital ZT}{ge}3. Multilayers with the dimensions of 2D QWs have been synthesized by alternately sputtering Bi{sub 0.9}Sb{sub 0.1} and PbTe{sub 0.8}Se{sub 0.2} onto a moving single-crystal sapphire substrate from dual magnetrons. These materials have been used to test the thermoelectric quantum-well concept and gain insight into relevant transport mechanisms. If successful, this research could lead to thermoelectric devices that have efficiencies close to that of an ideal Carnot engine. Ultimately, such devices could be used to replace conventional heat engines and mechanical refrigeration systems. {copyright} {ital 1995} {ital American} {ital Institute} {ital of} {ital Physics}.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 83893
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-940830-; ISSN 0094-243X; TRN: 95:016944
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 316, Issue 1; Conference: 13. international conference on thermoelectrics, Kansas City, MO (United States), 30 Aug - 1 Sep 1994; Other Information: PBD: 10 Aug 1994
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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