A Novel Approach to Determine the Type of Conductivity in Semiconductors Using a Combined Seebeck and Peltier Effects

Abstract

This work presents a novel Seebeck system design that utilizes the Peltier effect to determine the conductivity type of semiconductors, a critical aspect of semiconductor research. The study investigates the combined influence of the Seebeck and Peltier thermoelectric phenomena, which generate a voltage difference in response to temperature fluctuations and vice versa in semiconductors. The proposed system is an advancement over conventional Seebeck systems, which typically require significant power for heating and cooling. By incorporating a Peltier module as both a cooling and heating source, the system significantly reduces energy consumption and enables solar-powered operation. Laboratory experiments were conducted on silicon specimens under varying thermal conditions to validate the system's effectiveness. The results confirmed the system's ability to accurately determine semiconductor conductivity type by analyzing its response to temperature gradients. The findings demonstrated that a greater temperature difference between the hot and cold ends increases the generated electrical potential until thermal equilibrium is reached. This study presents the device’s efficiency, particularly its rapid response to temperature fluctuations and its capability for precise thermal regulation in practical applications. This innovative design represents a significant advancement in thermoelectric research, offering a more sustainable and energy-efficient alternative to traditional Seebeck and Hall Effect devices, thereby enhancing semiconductor conductivity analysis techniques.