Thermomagnetic Effects in Bismuth. I. Thermoelectric Power

Abstract

Theoretical interpretation of an anomalous behavior of the thermoelectric effect in bismuth is presented. According to Farag and Tanuma, the thermoelectric power has sharp minimum at low temperatures and in high magnetic fields. As an example minimum value for a sample reaches −16000 μV/deg at 18000 Oe. Such an anomalous feature can be explained qualitatively in consideration of the phonon drag effect. Phonon dragged by electrons and holes drifting in the direction perpendicular to electric field and magnetic field, carries Peltier heat. It is verified that the phonon drag component is the main part of the thermoelectric power in high magnetic fields.