Thermoelectric Simple and Multilayers Prepared by Laser

Abstract

Thermoelectric layers as Bi 2 Te 3 , Yb 0.19 Co 4 Sb 12 , FeSb 2 Te, Ce 0.1 Fe 0.7 Co 3.3 Sb 12 and FeSb 2 Te/Ce 0.1 Fe 0.7 Co 3.3 Sb 12 multilayers were prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD). Smooth, nano-crystalline, stoichiometric layers were synthetized in a classical PLD arrangement or in a special off-axis PLD arrangement, followed by Rapid thermal annealing. Results of physical characterizations such as morphology—Atomic Force Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope, composition-Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis, crystallinity—X-ray Diffraction, separation of multilayers—Secondary of ion beam mass spectroscopy SIMS and study of thermoelectric properties such as the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT, in-plane electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity are presented. For thermal conductivity measurement a newly developed Atomic force thermal microscope (AFMTh) was tested. Results obtained on the single layers compared to multi-layered structures are discussed.