Figure of Merit of one-dimensional resonant transmission systems in the quantum regime

The figure of merit, ZT, for a one-dimensional conductor displaying a Lorentzian resonant transmission probability is calculated. The optimum working conditions for largest ZT values are determined. It is found that, the resonance energy has to be adjusted to be several resonance widths away from the Fermi level. Similarly it is better for the temperature to be equal to several resonance widths. The approximate relationships, which can be a fairly good guide for designing devices, between different parameters under optimum working conditions are given.