Seebeck effect in PbTe films and EuTe/PbTe superlattices

摘要

Theoretical calculations of the Seebeck coefficients of bulk PbTe and PbTe based superlattices were described in the framework of Boltzmann equation, taking into account temperature dependent band gaps, nonparabolicity, and anisotropy of effective masses. It is shown that the temperature gradient along the superlattice layer works more effectively on the enhancement of the thermoelectric figure of merit than the temperature gradient normal to the superlattice layer. Calculated Seebeck coefficients were compared to the experimental values for n-type PbTe, p-type PbTe, and EuTe/PbTe superlattices. The Seebeck coefficient of p-type PbTe was higher than that of n-type PbTe. The relatively high Seebeck coefficient is explained by the contribution from other extrema in the valence band. The EuTe/PbTe [001] superlattice shows higher Seebeck coefficients than PbTe bulk owing to the large density of states.