Abstract
In this work we theoretically study properties of electric current driven by a temperature gradient through a quantum dot/molecule coupled to the source and drain charge reservoirs. We analyze the effect of Coulomb interactions between electrons on the dot/molecule and of thermal phonons associated with the electrodes thermal environment on the thermocurrent. The scattering matrix formalism is employed to compute electron transmission through the system. This approach is further developed and combined with nonequilibrium Green's functions formalism, so that scattering probabilities are expressed in terms of relevant energies including the thermal energy, strengths of coupling between the dot/molecule and charge reservoirs and characteristic energies of electron–phonon interactions in the electrodes. It is shown that one may bring the considered system into regime favorable for heat-to-electric energy conversion by varying the applied bias and gate voltages.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Physica E: Low-dimensional Systems and Nanostructures
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
