Thermoelectric figure of merit for parallel transport in superlattices

Abstract

We have calculated the thermoelectric figure of merit of a superlattice with the temperature gradient and the electric field applied parallel to the interfaces. Including the heat flow between the barriers and the wells, we have derived the temperature distribution in the sample, from which the expressions of the resultant thermal conductivity and hence the figure of merit are obtained. Our numerical result provides relevant information for achieving a high figure of merit.