title: Improved thermoelectric power factor in metal-based superlattices.
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.
authors.affiliation: Jack Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA.
authors.forename: Daryoosh
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vashaee
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shakouri