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

TL;DR

This paper calculates the figure of merit ZT for a one-dimensional resonant transmission system in the quantum regime, identifying optimal conditions for maximizing ZT based on resonance energy and temperature adjustments.

Contribution

It provides analytical relationships and guidelines for optimizing ZT in quantum resonant systems, aiding device design.

Findings

Optimal resonance energy is several widths away from the Fermi level.

Maximum ZT occurs when temperature matches several resonance widths.

Guidelines for device parameter tuning are established.

Abstract

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.