UC Santa Barbara

In this paper, we explore electron filtering as a technique to increase the Seebeck coefficient and the thermoelectric power factor of heterostructured materials over that of the bulk. We present a theoretical model in which the Seebeck coefficient and the power factor can be increased in an In0.53Ga0.47As-based composite material. Experimental measurements of the cross-plane Seebeck coefficient are presented and confirm the importance of the electron filtering technique to decouple the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient to increase the thermoelectric power factor.