Abstract: A boat used in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace is configured to hold one or more complex three-dimensional (3D) structures when performing a coating. A platform wafer is placed horizontally in the boat to support the complex 3D structures and a mount is positioned to secure the complex 3D structures on the platform wafer during the CVD process. One or more “witness” wafers may also be placed in the boat for analyzing the thin-film coating. The platform wafer may be positioned between or bracketed by the vertical wafers. Parts with coatings manufactured using LPCVD are further disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation device is disclosed using one or more mechanically compliant and thermally and electrically conductive layers at the thermoelectric material interfaces to accommodate high temperature differentials and stresses induced thereby. The compliant material may be metal foam or metal graphite composite (e.g. using nickel) and is particularly beneficial in high temperature thermoelectric generators employing Zintl thermoelectric materials. The compliant material may be disposed between the thermoelectric segments of the device or between a thermoelectric segment and the hot or cold side interconnect of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric device includes an interconnect layer, a skutterudite layer, and a metallization stack. The metallization stack, having a diffusion layer, is disposed between and in electrical contact with the interconnect layer and the skutterudite layer of the thermoelectric device. The present invention also provides a method of preparing an SKD thermocouple. The present invention also provides a method of preparing a braze joint.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation technique is disclosed using one or more mechanically compliant and thermally and electrically conductive layers at the thermoelectric material interfaces to accommodate high temperature differentials and stresses induced thereby. The compliant material may be metal foam or metal graphite composite (e.g. using nickel) and is particularly beneficial in high temperature thermoelectric generators employing Zintl thermoelectric materials. The compliant material may be disposed between the thermoelectric segments of the device or between a thermoelectric segment and the hot or cold side interconnect of the device.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation device is disclosed using one or more mechanically compliant and thermally and electrically conductive layers at the thermoelectric material interfaces to accommodate high temperature differentials and stresses induced thereby. The compliant material may be metal foam or metal graphite composite (e.g. using nickel) and is particularly beneficial in high temperature thermoelectric generators employing Zintl thermoelectric materials. The compliant material may be disposed between the thermoelectric segments of the device or between a thermoelectric segment and the hot or cold side interconnect of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-temperature thermoelectric couple and the method for making the same. The method requires a very small number of fabrication steps. It includes an act of fabricating an n-type leg that, in a stacked configuration, includes a low electrical contact resistance metallization foil that is connected to each of the two sides of Lanthanum Telluride via a thin metallic adhesion layer. Additionally, a p-type leg is fabricated that, in a stacked configuration, includes a low electrical contact resistance metallization foil that is connected to each of the two sides of 14-1-11 Zintl. Finally, CTE-matched, low electrical and thermal resistance plate interconnects are used for each of the two legs to interface with the heat source and heat sink and form an electrical connection.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation device using molybdenum metallization to a Zintl thermoelectric material in a thermoelectric power generation device operating at high temperature, e.g. at or above 1000° C., is disclosed. The Zintl thermoelectric material may comprise Yb14MnSb11. A thin molybdenum metallization layer of approximately 5 microns or less may be employed. The thin molybdenum layer may be applied in a foil under high pressure, e.g. 1800 psi, at high temperature, e.g. 1000° C. The metallization layer may then be bonded or brazed to other components, such as heat collectors or current carrying electrodes, of the thermoelectric power generation device.