Thermoelectric Behaviour of Sm₄Bi₃ and Yb₄Bi₃ at High Pressures

Abstract

The thermoelectric power (TEP) of Sm₄Bi₃ and Yb₄Bi₃ has been measured as a function of pressure up to 60 kbar. In Sm₄Bi₃, TEP changes drastically at about 30 kbar and this change is attributed to the valence transition of samarium ions. No such transition occurs in Yb₄Bi₃ in the pressure range investigated.