Development of a two dimensional scanning Seebeck coefficient measurement system by a micro-probe method

摘要

A Seebeck micro-probe measurement system with high spatial resolution has been developed to examine two-dimensional spatial distribution of Seebeck coefficient for thermoelectric materials at room temperature. A contact area of 10 μmΦ is realized by using a Copper probe tip fabricated by a mechanical machining process. The two-dimensional spatial distribution of the Seebeck coefficient for the Bismuth —Telluride and Zinc—Antimonide systems has been measured. The sign inversion of the Seebeck coefficient from p- to n-type is clearly detected along the crystal growth direction in the Bismuth-Telluride system. On the other hand, the anisotropic Seebeck coefficient reflecting grain distribution is conspicuously observed in the Zinc—Antimonide system.