Abstract: A self-acclimating electronics package includes an electronic chip, an electrically resistive material with a negative temperature coefficient of resistivity, the electrically resistive material being thermally coupled to the electronic chip, and a thermoelectric cooler thermally coupled to the electronic chip. The thermoelectric cooler is electrically connected in series with the electrically resistive material and a power supply to cool the electronic chip, where if a temperature of the electronic chip increases, a resistance of the electrically resistive material decreases to cause the a voltage supplied to the thermoelectric cooler to increase, and if a temperature of the electronic chip decreases, a resistance of the electrically resistive material increases to cause the a voltage/current applied to the thermoelectric cooler to decrease.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module includesa plurality of electrodes (high temperature side electrodes and low temperature side electrodes, thermoelectric conversion elements (p-type element and n-type element) arranged between the two electrodes, and a bonding layer disposed between the electrodes and the thermoelectric conversion elements. The bonding layer includes copper-containing particles, copper balls each having a particle diameter of 30 ?m or more, an intermetallic compound of copper and tin, and a fired resin.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generation system is provided with: a thermoelectric element; a heating unit; a cooling unit; a heat transfer unit; a pressure gauge; a first valve; and a control unit. The thermoelectric element uses a temperature difference to generate power. The heating unit has a first heat medium path through which a heat medium passes, and heats the thermoelectric element by means of the heat of the heat medium. The cooling unit cools the thermoelectric element. The heat transfer unit has a second heat medium path through which the heat medium passes and which is connected to the first heat medium path, and heats, by using a heat source, the heat medium reduced in temperature as a result of heating the thermoelectric element. The pressure gauge detects the rise or fall of a value (pressure of heat medium) in accordance with the temperature of the heat source.

Abstract: Superlattices and methods of making them are disclosed herein. The superlattices are prepared by irradiating a sample to prepare an alternating superlattice of layers of a first material and a second material, wherein the ratio of the first deposition rate to the second deposition rate is between 1.0:2.0 and 2.0:1.0. The superlattice comprises a multiplicity of alternating layers, wherein the multiplicity of layers of the first material have a thickness between 0.1 nm and 50.0 nm or the multiplicity of layers of the second material have a thickness between 0.1 nm and 50.0.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to materials, devices, and methods for resonant ambient thermal energy harvesting. Thermal energy can be harvested using thermoelectric resonators that capture and store ambient thermal fluctuations and convert the fluctuations to energy. The resonators can include non-linear heat transfer elements, such as thermal diodes, to enhance their performance. Incorporation of thermal diodes can allow for a dynamic rectification of temperature fluctuations into a single polarity temperature difference across a heat engine for power extraction, as compared to the dual polarity nature of the output voltage of linear thermal resonators, which typically necessitates electrical rectification to be routed to an entity for energy storage. In some embodiments, the thermal diode can be applied to transient energy harvesting to construct thermal diode bridges. Methods for constructing such devices, and using such devices, are also provided.

Abstract: A multi-core thermocouple includes a plurality of wires, an insulation core surrounding the plurality of wires, a sheath surrounding the insulation core, and a plurality of electrical junctions. The plurality of electrical junctions may include a first electrical junction formed between a first wire of the plurality of wires and the sheath at a first axial mid-section of the multi-core thermocouple, the first electrical junction including a first swaged axial mid-section of the sheath and a second electrical junction formed between a second wire of the plurality of wires and the sheath at a second, different axial mid-section of the multi-core thermocouple, the second electrical junction including a second swaged axial mid-section of the sheath.

Abstract: A semiconductor device that comprises a substrate with a primary surface and a secondary surface opposite to the primary surface. The primary surface provides a semiconductor active device. The semiconductor device includes a base metal layer deposited on the secondary surface and within the substrate via in which a vacancy is formed, and an additional metal layer on the base metal layer, the additional metal layer having different wettability against a solder as compared to the base metal layer whereby the solder is contactable by the base metal layer and repelled by the additional metal layer. The semiconductor device is die-bonded on the assembly substrate by interposing the solder between the secondary surface and the assembly substrate. The base metal layer in a portion that excepts the substrate via and a periphery of the substrate via by partly removing the additional metal layer is in contact with the solder.

Abstract: Electrical devices with an integral thermoelectric generator comprising a spin-Seebeck insulator and a spin orbit coupling material, and associated methods of fabrication. A spin-Seebeck thermoelectric material stack may be integrated into macroscale power cabling as well as nanoscale device structures. The resulting structures are to leverage the spin-Seebeck effect (SSE), in which magnons may transport heat from a source (an active device or passive interconnect) and through the spin-Seebeck insulator, which develops a resulting spin voltage. The SOC material is to further convert the spin voltage into an electric voltage to complete the thermoelectric generation process. The resulting electric voltage may then be coupled into an electric circuit.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module is a thermoelectric conversion module in which a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements are electrically connected to each other via a first electrode portion disposed on first end side of the thermoelectric conversion elements and a second electrode portion disposed on the second end side of the thermoelectric conversion elements; a first insulating circuit board provided with a first insulating layer of which at least one surface is made of alumina and the first electrode portion formed of a sintered body of Ag formed on the one surface of the first insulating layer is disposed on the first end side of the thermoelectric conversion elements; and a glass component is present at an interface between the first electrode portion and the first insulating layer.

Abstract: Techniques, materials, and structures for stretchable semiconductor nanomesh structures are described. In one embodiment, a stretchable semiconductor nanomesh structure may include a nanomesh formation of certain semiconductor material comprising a network of traces forming at least one opening between sidewalls of the nanomesh formation material, and a substrate configured to support the nanomesh formation material. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A phononic material and a method of using a phononic material for use in interacting with a fluid or solid flow are provided. The phononic material includes an interface surface and a subsurface feature. The interface surface is adapted to move in response to a pressure associated with at least one wave in a flow exerted on the interface surface. The subsurface feature extends from the interface surface. The subsurface feature comprises a phononic crystal or locally resonant metamaterial adapted to receive the at least one wave having the at least one frequency based upon the pressure from the flow via the interface surface and alter the phase of the at least one wave. The interface surface is adapted to vibrate at a frequency, phase and amplitude in response to the manipulated/altered phase of the at least one wave.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes a thermally conductive first plate and at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly. The first plate has a layer with a plurality of electrically conductive first portions and a plurality of electrically insulating second portions separating the first portions from one another. The at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly includes a thermally conductive second plate and a plurality of thermoelectric elements in a region between the first plate and the second plate. The plurality of thermoelectric elements is in electrical communication with the plurality of electrically conductive portions of the first plate, in electrical communication with electrically conductive portions of the second plate, and in thermal communication with the first plate and the second plate. The plurality of electrically insulating second portions includes a plurality of segments at least partially outside the region, the segments configured to avoid degradation of a structural rigidity of the first plate.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module mounted on an uneven surface (a curved surface or an irregular surface) to reduce thermal boundary resistance and significantly improve thermoelectric power generation efficiency is provided. The thermoelectric module includes one or more first thermoelectric elements, one or more second thermoelectric elements having opposite polarity to that of the first thermoelectric elements and alternating with the first thermoelectric element. An electrode unit in provided and includes upper and lower electrodes configured to electrically connect the first and second thermoelectric elements. A connection member is configured to connect the first and second thermoelectric elements to vary the relative positions of the first and second thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module includes: a substrate; a plurality of thermoelectric elements including an N-type element and a P-type element; a bonding layer including silver and disposed between the substrate and the plurality of thermoelectric elements; a first electrode that connects the N-type element with the bonding layer, the first electrode including a first nickel layer and an aluminum layer that is disposed between the first nickel layer and the N-type element; and a second electrode that connects the P-type element with the bonding layer, the second electrode including a second nickel layer.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an integrated thermoelectric cooler and methods for forming thereof. The integrated thermoelectric cooler can include a plurality of thermoelectric rods located between the detector substrate and a system interposer. The detector substrate and the system interposer can directly contact ends of the thermoelectric rods. The integrated thermoelectric cooler can be formed by forming the plurality of thermoelectric rods on reels, for example, and the plurality of thermoelectric rods can be thinned down to a certain height. The thermoelectric rods can be transferred and bonded to the system substrate. An overmold can be formed around the plurality of thermoelectric rods. The height of the overmold and thermoelectric rods can be thinned down to another height. The thermoelectric rods can be bonded to the detector substrate. In some examples, the overmold can be removed.

Abstract: A method for increasing a service lifetime of an electronic component includes applying a topological insulator coating layer on a surface of the electronic component and performing a test on the electronic component with the topological insulator coating layer applied thereto. The electronic component with the topological insulator coating layer exhibits at least a 100% improvement during the test when compared to an otherwise equivalent electronic component without the topological insulator layer applied thereto. The electronic component with the topological insulator coating layer exhibits at least a 100% improvement during the test when compared to an otherwise equivalent electronic component with a graphene layer applied thereto. The test includes at least one of: a waterproofness test, an acetic acid test, a sugar solution test, and a methyl alcohol test.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module according to the present disclosure includes: a pair of insulating substrates, each insulating substrate including a one main surface in a plan view, and a rectangular facing region of the one main surface, the rectangular facing regions facing each other; wiring conductors located on the one main surfaces of the pair of insulating substrates, respectively; a pair of metal plates located on other main surfaces opposite to the one main surfaces of the pair of insulating substrates, respectively; and a plurality of thermoelectric elements located between the one main surfaces of the pair of insulating substrates. At least one insulating substrate and at least one metal plate include a protrusion protruding from a one side of the rectangular facing region in the plan view, and a metal pattern located on the one main surface of the protrusion, the metal pattern not electrically connected to the wiring conductor.

Abstract: A phononic material and a method of using a phononic material for use in interacting with a fluid or solid flow are provided. The phononic material includes an interface surface and a subsurface feature. The interface surface is adapted to move in response to a pressure, and/or velocity gradients, associated with complex motion of a turbulent flow exhibiting a polarity of frequencies exerted on the interface surface. The subsurface feature extends from the interface surface. The subsurface feature comprises a phononic crystal or locally resonant metamaterial adapted to receive the pressure, and/or velocity gradients, from the turbulent flow via the interface surface and alter the phase and amplitude of a polarity of frequency components of the turbulent flow in order to reduce or increase the kinetic energy of the turbulent flow.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device having a channel portion which includes at least one channel layer made of a topological insulator material and having a top surface with at least one groove, wherein each side surface of each groove includes a conducting zone with a pair of topologically protected one-dimensional electron channels. Each channel layer includes at least one n-region and at least one p-region which are alternatingly disposed and extend from a first end to a second end of the channel layer, each n-region comprising at least one n-groove running from a first electrode at the first end to a second electrode at the second end and each p-region includes at least one p-groove running from a second electrode to a first electrode, wherein the first and second electrodes are alternatingly disposed to connect the p-grooves and n-grooves of neighboring regions, whereby all p-grooves and n-grooves are connected in series.

Abstract: A thermal energy removal system is provided to cool a rail of a railway track in a self-powered mode and/or an externally-powered mode. The system comprises a cooling module configured to mount on a side of the rail to remove heat stored inside the rail. The cooling module includes a solid state electrical insulation sandwiched between a plate and a heat sink. The cooling module further includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first and second terminals to provide an electric energy source based on the heat extracted and harnessed for powering at least one of an electronic circuit, a light source, and a communication device associated with railways infrastructure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a thermoelectric element comprising a flexible semiconductor substrate having exposed surfaces with a metal content that is less than about 1% as measured by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and a figure of merit (ZT) that is at least about 0.25, wherein the flexible semiconductor substrate has a Young's Modulus that is less than or equal to about 1×106 pounds per square inch (psi) at 25° C.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device may include a casing of tubular shape in which extends a plurality of modules of thermoelectric elements extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the casing. Additionally, each module may include a plurality of thermoelectric elements having a cylinder or right prism shape with a central opening, a first fluid circulating through the central opening, and a second fluid circulating around the exterior periphery, and an enclosure capping said thermoelectric elements. Further, the enclosure may include at least an intake for the second fluid and a discharge for said second fluid. Furthermore, a number and dimensions of said thermoelectric element modules is optimized as a function of the ratio between a volume of the thermoelectric elements and a volume of the casing, a thickness of the enclosure and a distance between two adjacent modules.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator includes: a heat-receiving plate configured to receive heat; a cooling plate configured to be kept at a lower temperature than a temperature of the heat-receiving plate; and a thermoelectric generation module interposed between the heat-receiving plate and the cooling plate, in which the thermoelectric generation module includes: an opposed surface that is opposed to the cooling plate; a plurality of thermoelectric elements; a terminal configured to electrically conduct to the thermoelectric elements; and a lead member bonded to the terminal, in which the lead member penetrates the opposed surface and extends to the cooling plate.

Abstract: A sensor element for thermal anemometry includes a semiconductor substrate and a thin-film diaphragm attached to the semiconductor substrate and having a front side and a rear side. A resistive heating element and a temperature-dependent resistor are attached to the front side of the thin-film diaphragm. In the area of the rear side of the thin-film diaphragm, the semiconductor substrate has a first recess. A silicon layer including a recess which merges with the first recess of the semiconductor substrate is located between the thin-film diaphragm and the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing systems, area scanning laser systems, and methods for performing an additive manufacturing process are provided. An exemplary additive manufacturing system includes a laser generation device for producing a laser beam. Further, the additive manufacturing system includes an optic element for forming a first portion of the laser beam with a first polarization and a second portion of the laser beam with a second polarization different from the first polarization to encode an image in the laser beam. Also, the additive manufacturing system includes a selective beam separator configured to direct the first portion of the laser beam onto a material to be sintered or melted. The additive manufacturing system includes a recycling system for receiving the second portion of the laser beam.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a thermoelectric heat pump includes a heat transfer region having an array of thermoelectric modules, a waste channel in substantial thermal communication with a high temperature portion of the heat transfer region, and a main channel in substantial thermal communication with a low temperature portion of the heat transfer region. An enclosure wall provides a barrier between fluid in the waste channel and fluid in the main channel throughout the interior of the thermoelectric heat pump. In some embodiments, the waste fluid channel and the main fluid channel are positioned and shaped such that differences in temperature between fluids disposed near opposite sides of the enclosure wall are substantially decreased or minimized at corresponding positions along the channels.

Abstract: A thermoelectric element unit is provided. The thermoelectric element unit includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements and a plurality of electrodes embedded in each of the thermoelectric elements by a predetermined number. Additionally, at least one of the plurality of electrodes includes a terminal part that protrudes to an exterior of the thermoelectric element having the at least one electrode embedded among the thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: A passive temperature-sensing apparatus, which includes a capacitive sensing element that includes a capacitive sensing composition that includes a ferroelectric ceramic material that exhibits a measurable electrical Curie temperature that is below 30 degrees C. The capacitive sensing composition exhibits a negative slope of capacitance versus temperature over the temperature range of from 30 degrees C. to 150 degrees C.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module with high efficiency is provided. The thermoelectric module may include a first substrate including a plurality of first electrodes, a second substrate provided opposite the first substrate and including a plurality of second electrodes, a plurality of thermoelectric devices provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and electrically connected to the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and a wire connection hole configured to penetrate through at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate and expose a portion of at least one surface of the first electrodes and the second electrodes.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric module used for cooling, and the thermoelectric module can be made thin by having a first substrate and a second substrate with different surface areas to raise the heat-dissipation effectiveness.

Abstract: A wearable electronic device including a display portion and a fixed portion connected with the display portion. The fixed portion is configured to fix the wearable electronic device on body of a wearer. The display portion includes a display screen. The fixed portion is provided with a thermoelectric conversion module which is insulated and isolated from external environment. The thermoelectric conversion module is configured to convert a temperature difference between a body temperature of the wearer and a temperature of the external environment into electrical energy used for operating the wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device has enhanced endurance.

Abstract: A temperature sensor (1) including: a temperature sensing element (3) including a temperature sensing portion (4) having an electrical characteristic which varies depending on temperature, and an electrode wire (5) for outputting an electrical signal from the temperature sensing portion (4); and a sheath core wire (signal wire) (15) electrically connected to the electrode wire (5). The electrode wire (5) is formed from a platinum-palladium-rhodium alloy containing Pt, Pd and Rh. The alloy contains a total of 0.1 to 1.2 mol % of at least one alkaline-earth metal selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr and Ba; 0.1 to 43.0 mol % of Pd; and 1.0 to 43.0 mol % of Rh, and the balance is Pt and incidental impurities. In the platinum-palladium-rhodium alloy, second-phase precipitated grains mainly containing Pt, Pd and the alkaline-earth metal are dispersed in a matrix phase.

Abstract: An arrangement provides simulation of important battery factors such as state of charge or state of health, and the estimates are provided to the human user in ways that permit the human user to make better use of the battery, for example in an electric car. The arrangement is made up in part of nodes, each individually simulated, and at least some of the nodes communicate with each other by means of values which within the domain of the simulator are understood as currents but which may have real-world significance for some value that is not a current at all. The currents are passed on a (simulated) analog bus. Some lines on the analog bus, while understood as “currents” in the domain of the simulator, are actually values that merely pass messages between modeling elements, the “current” values not necessarily representing any real-life measurable such as the aforementioned temperature value.

Abstract: Provided are a thermoelectric conversion element and a thermoelectric conversion module which can efficiently generate power by preventing heat from being accumulated in a cooling side even in a naturally cooled environment.

Abstract: A Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM) structure having a thermally conductive, dielectric cladding material that contacts an outer side of a magnetic memory element. The magnetic memory element can be a magnetic tunnel junction element formed as a cylindrical pillar that extends between first and second electrically conductive lead layers. The cylinder of the magnetic memory element can have an outer periphery, and the cladding material can be formed to contact the entire periphery. In addition, a heat sink structure formed of a dielectric material having a high specific heat capacity can be formed to contact an outer periphery of the cladding material. The cladding material and heat sink structure efficiently conduct heat away from the sides of the memory element to prevent the temperature of the memory element to rise to unsafe levels. This advantageously assists in maintaining a high reliability and long life of the MRAM system.

Abstract: A method for managing a battery located in a motor vehicle includes cooling the battery when a data item indicative of the temperature of the battery exceeds a first threshold, stopping the cooling of the battery when the data item indicative of the temperature of the battery drops below a second threshold, notably lower than the first threshold, and adjusting at least one of the first and second thresholds.

Abstract: A backpack for convenient charging, the backpack comprising: a backpack body with a battery storage space to accommodate a storage battery unit; at least one strap connected to the backpack body, where at least one strap has a fixture for fixing a product to be charged and a power cable output port proximal to the fixture; wherein the backpack body further includes at least one cable passage leading from the battery storage space to the power cable output port to accommodate at least one power cable each with a first end and a second end, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end of the at least one power cable is connected to the storage battery unit to be charged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrothermal converter, which has at least one cold side and one warm side. Provision is made that all the components of the converter cope with the thermal loads appearing when the converter is operated and/or in particular maintains its mechanical stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fishing tackle box that has been outfitted with LED (light Emitting Diodes) lighting the trays and main storage areas of the box. The LEDs in the box are powered by a rechargeable battery charged by at least two solar panels, and are positioned to provide power regardless of the box being opened or closed. The battery and solar panels also provide power to a USB connector mounted on the external wall of the box to allow charging of a smartphone or audio device. Also, the box has stereo or two speakers driven by wireless (Bluetooth) wired audio inputs to the box. AC or mains input is located on an external wall of the box for an additional charging source.

Abstract: A cooling device for a battery of a motor vehicle may include a first cooling plate and a second cooling plate bonded to the first cooling plate. The second cooling plate may include at least one depression extending in a direction away from the first cooling plate. The depression may define at least one fluid duct for a coolant flow. A first side of the first cooling plate facing away from the second cooling plate may include at least one thermoelectric element. A first side of the second cooling plate facing towards the first cooling plate may include a plurality of turbulence-generating elements.

Abstract: A thermo-electric generator includes a semiconductor membrane with a phononic structure containing at least one P-N junction. The membrane is suspended between a first support designed to be coupled to a cold thermal source and a second support designed to be coupled to a hot thermal source. The structure for suspending the membrane has an architecture allowing the heat flux to be redistributed within the plane of the membrane.

Abstract: A method for forming a unique, environmentally-friendly energy harvesting element is provided. A configuration of the energy harvesting element causes the energy harvesting element to autonomously generate renewable energy for use in electronic systems, electronic devices and electronic system components. The energy harvesting element includes a first conductor layer, a low work function layer, a dielectric layer, and a second conductor layer that are particularly configured in a manner to promote electron migration from the low work function layer, through the dielectric layer, to the facing surface of the second conductor layer in a manner that develops an electric potential between the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer. An energy harvesting component is also provided that includes a plurality of energy harvesting elements electrically connected to one another to increase a power output of the electric harvesting component.

Abstract: An aircraft jet propulsion system is disclosed. The aircraft jet propulsion system may comprise a thermoelectric generator array (“TEG” array) coupled to a portion of the aircraft jet propulsion system, wherein the TEG array converts heat energy to electrical energy, and supplies power to the aircraft jet propulsion system, wherein the electrical energy is supplied to a power supply. The aircraft jet propulsion system may comprise an alternator that generates less energy than is required to power the aircraft jet propulsion system. The TEG array may supplement the energy generated by the alternator. The energy generated by the TEG array and the energy generated by the alternator may be sufficient to power the aircraft jet propulsion system and/or the electrical energy generated by the TEG array may be sufficient to power to aircraft jet propulsion system.

Abstract: Thermoelectric materials and thermoelectric cells and devices incorporating the thermoelectric materials are provided. Also provided are methods of using the cells and devices to generate electricity and to power external electronic devices. The thermoelectric materials comprise SnSe single crystals, including hole doped SnSe single crystals.

Abstract: Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.

Abstract: Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to integrated circuit (IC) chip packaging, and more particularly, to a structure and method of forming a glass interposer having one or more embedded peltier devices, alongside electrically conductive vias, to help dissipate heat from one or more IC chips in a multi-dimensional chip package through the glass interposer and into an organic carrier, where it can be dissipated into an underlying substrate.

Abstract: A thermoelectric composition comprising tin (Sn), tellurium (Te) and at least one dopant that comprises a peak dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) of 1.1 and a Seebeck coefficient of at least 50 ?V/K and a method of manufacturing the thermoelectric composition. A plurality of components are disposed in a ball-milling vessel, wherein the plurality of components comprise tin (Sn), tellurium (Te), and at least one dopant such as indium (In). The components are subsequently mechanically and thermally processed, for example, by hot-pressing. In response to the mechanical-thermally processing, a thermoelectric composition is formed, wherein the thermoelectric composition comprises a dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) of the thermoelectric composition is at least 0.8, and wherein a Seebeck coefficient of the thermoelectric composition is at least 50 ?V/K at any temperature.

Abstract: A three-dimensional micro-structure has a plurality of adjacent micro-columns which are arranged at a distance from each other and essentially parallel in relation to the respective longitudinal extension. The micro-columns are made of at least one micro-column material having respectively an aspect ratio in the region of 20-1000 and respectively a micro-column diameter in the region of 0.1 ?m-200 ?m. A micro-column intermediate chamber is arranged between adjacent micro-columns having a micro-column distance selected from between the adjacent micro-columns in the region of 1 ?m-100 ?m. According to a method for producing the three-dimensional micro-structures: a) a template is provided with template material, b) the micro-column material is arranged in the column-like cavities, and c) the template is at least partially removed.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material includes a stack structure including alternately stacked first and second material layers. The first material layer may include a carbon nano-material. The second material layer may include a thermoelectric inorganic material. The first material layer may include a thermoelectric inorganic material in addition to the carbon nano-material. The carbon nano-material may include, for example, graphene. At least one of the first and second material layers may include a plurality of nanoparticles. The thermoelectric material may further include at least one conductor extending in an out-of-plane direction of the stack structure.