Thermoelectric response in zigzag chains: Impact of irradiation-induced conformational changes

Article Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Journal of Applied Physics

Abstract

This study explores the enhancement of thermoelectric response in a zigzag chain through irradiation with arbitrarily polarized light. The irradiation induces changes in hopping strengths, creating an asymmetric transmission profile around the Fermi energy, which is a crucial factor for achieving a higher figure of merit (FOM). Specific light configurations result in an FOM exceeding unity. We employ the Floquet-Bloch ansatz and minimal coupling scheme to model the irradiation effect, with transport properties evaluated using Green’s function technique within the Landauer-Büttiker formalism. The investigation covers electrical conductance, thermopower, and thermal conductance due to electrons and phonons. Our research deepens understanding and opens avenues for tailoring nanostructures to fine-tune thermoelectric properties, advancing highly efficient energy conversion devices exploiting irradiation effects.

DOI

10.1063/5.0213895

Publication Date

7-7-2024

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