Optimization of Sb₂Te₃ and Bi₂Te₃ thermoelectric films for infrared detection and energy harvesting

We are developing antenna-coupled thermoelectric junctions for infrared detection and energy harvesting. Joule heating at the antenna feed from currents induced by antenna-collected radiation generates thermoelectric voltage and current for detection and energy conversion. COMSOL Multiphysics simulations identify Sb₂Te₃ and Bi₂Te₃ thermoelectric materials as ideal for the thermocouple junction at the antenna feed. We optimized RF sputtered telluride films by performing a 2-level full-factorial experiment with three factors–argon pressure, substrate temperature, and RF power—with power factor as the response. Preliminary photolithographically patterned devices designed for mm-waves using less suitable materials gave immeasurably low response to radiation from a backward wave oscillator, which is explained by the simulations that motivate this study.

We are developing antenna-coupled thermoelectric junctions for infrared detection and energy harvesting. Joule heating at the antenna feed from currents induced by antenna-collected radiation generates thermoelectric voltage and current for detection and energy conversion. COMSOL Multiphysics simulations identify Sb₂Te₃ and Bi₂Te₃ thermoelectric materials as ideal for the thermocouple junction at the antenna feed. We optimized RF sputtered telluride films by performing a 2-level full-factorial experiment with three factors—argon pressure, substrate temperature, and RF power—with power factor as the response. Preliminary photolithographically patterned devices designed for mm-waves using less suitable materials gave immeasurably low response to radiation from a backward wave oscillator, which is explained by the simulations that motivate this study.