The discovery of the thermoelectric effect was almost 200 years ago. This chapter presents a primer of the fundamental physics to help readers understand the essentials of past and current theories on thermoelectric materials related to radioisotope thermoelectric generators. In reciprocal space, the smallest repeating unit is called a primitive or Wigner‐Seitz cell. The first Brillouin zone is a set of points that start from the origin without crossing any Bragg planes. While the classic free electron gas model can explain the transport behavior of metals, analyzing the electron waves using periodic potential in a crystal lattice becomes necessary to explain the transport properties of semiconductors and insulators. The atomic electron bandgap of thermoelectric materials has a direct influence on thermoelectric couple performance. Chasmar and Stratton, followed by Mahan and Sofo, developed theories on improving thermoelectric materials.
A Primer on the Underlying Physics in Thermoelectrics
The Technology of Discovery ; 133-149
2023-01-11
17 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
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