Concept for simultaneous measurement of Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity

Measurements of physical transport properties of thermoelectric materials are plagued by large uncertainties (of tens of percent). Development of new materials towards larger efficiency in converting heat into electrical energy would benefit from improved measurement reliability. We are proposing to extend the 3omega method for the simultaneous measurement of the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity using test structures fabricated directly on the sample surface. Assisted by numerical simulations the method could allow reliable characterization of anisotropic materials.