Controlled thermoelectric properties of low-dimensional charge carrier systems in semiconductor heterostructures

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Hartmut Buhmann; Dr. Christopher Eltschka; Professorin Dr. Saskia F. Fischer; Professor Dr. Wolfgang Hansen
• Co-Applicant: Professor Dr. Jens Siewert
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2009 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 121158905

Thermoelectric properties of low-dimensional charge-carrier systems in high-quality semiconductor heterostructures are studied experimentally and theoretically. The project focuses on systems, in which the energy spectrum is controllable to a high extent via external parameters. They can be viewed as model systems for the engineering of nanoscale objects and devices with tailored thermoelectric properties. Experiments are performed on two-dimensional systems, embedded in nanoscrolls, quasi-onedimensional wires as well as zero-dimensional coupled quantum dot systems in modulation doped III-V heterostructures. Device structures are prepared by means of electron-beam lithography. Consequences for the thermopower due to the coexistence of coherent and incoherent transport processes will be addressed in detailed theoretical studies.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1386: Nanostructured Thermoelectric Materials: Theory, Model Systems and Controlled Synthesis
• International Connection: Spain