Thermoelectric quantum-dot superlattices with high ZT

Following the experimentally observed Seebeck coefficient enhancement in Pb Te quantum wells in Pb1-xEuxTe/PbTe multiple-quantum-well structures which indicated the potential usefulness of low dimensionality, we have investiga ted the thermoelectric properties of PbSexTe1-x/PbTe quantum-dot superlatti ces for possible improved thermoelectric materials. We have again found enh ancements in Seebeck coefficient and thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) re lative to bulk values, which occur through the various physics and material s science phenomena associated with the quantum-dot structures. To date, we have obtained estimated ZT values approximately double the best bulk PbTe values, with estimated ZT as high as about 0.9 at 300 K.