Quantum and classical size effects in the thermoelectric power of thin bismuth films

Abstract

Abstract Anomalous behaviour of the thermoelectric power of thin Bi films has been observed and the results are consistent with those anticipated, based on both quantum and classical size effects in scattering. Mayer's theory relating thermoelectric power to film thickness can be applied to the present results provided that the bulk conduction electron mean free path is used for calculations of the thermoelectric power of thick specimens and that the conduction electron de Broglie wavelength is used for thin specimens.