Demonstration of electron filtering to increase the Seebeck coefficient in ErAs:InGaAs/InGaAlAs superlattices

In this letter, we explore electron filtering as a technique to increase Seebeck coefficient and the thermoelectric power factor of heterostructured materials over that of the bulk. We present a theoretical model in which Seebeck coefficient and the power factor can be increased in an InGaAs based composite material. Experimental measurements of the cross-plane Seebeck coefficient are presented and confirm the importance of the electron filtering technique to decouple the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient to increase the thermoelectric power factor.