Improved Thermoelectric Power Factor in Metal-Based Superlattices

Daryoosh Vashaee and Ali Shakouri
Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 106103 – Published 11 March 2004

Abstract

In this paper we present a detailed theory of electron and thermoelectric transport perpendicular to heterostructure superlattices. This nonlinear transport regime above barriers is also called heterostructure thermionic emission. We show that metal-based superlattices with tall barriers can achieve a large effective thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT>5 at room temperature). A key parameter to achieving high performance is the nonconservation of lateral momentum during the thermionic emission process. Conservation of lateral momentum is a consequence of translational symmetry in the plane of the superlattice. We also discuss the use of nonplanar barriers and embedded quantum dot structures to achieve high thermoelectric conversion efficiency.

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  • Received 16 May 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.92.106103

©2004 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Daryoosh Vashaee and Ali Shakouri*

  • Jack Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA

  • *Email address: ali@soe.ucsc.edu

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Issue

Vol. 92, Iss. 10 — 12 March 2004

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