Abstract: An image sensor comprises an array of sensor elements, each responsive to incident photon flux, and a readout circuit coupled electronically to the array of sensor elements and configured to release an electronic signal varying in dependence on the incident photon flux. A thermal-barrier zone separates the array of sensor elements from the readout circuit, and a solid-state cooler is coupled thermally to the array of sensor elements.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion material is represented by a composition formula Ag2-x?xS, where ? is one selected from among Ni, V, and Ti. The value of x is greater than 0 and smaller than 0.6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoelectric material and, specifically, to a thermoelectric material capable of improving the figure of merit and a preparation method therefor. In the present invention, the thermoelectric material may comprise: a matrix compound having a composition of chemical formula 1 or 2; and particles having a composition of chemical formula 3 dispersed in the matrix compound. (AB2)x(Bi2Se2.7Te0.3)1-x, (CB)x(Bi2Se2.7Te0.3)1-x, DyEz.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pseudo-ternary thermoelectric material, a method of manufacturing the pseudo-ternary thermoelectric material, a thermoelectric element, and a thermoelectric module. The pseudo-ternary thermoelectric material includes bismuth (Bi), antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te), and selenium (Se), and a composition ratio thereof is BixSb2-xTe3 in which 0.3?x?0.6 or (Bi2Te3)1-x-y(Sb2Te3)x(Sb2Se3)y in which 0<x<1 and 0.001?y?0.05.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides: a magnetoresistive element having a large magnetoresistance change ratio (MR ratio); and a magnetic sensor, a reproducing head and a magnetic recording and reproducing device.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to compositions comprising substrate-free 2D tellurene crystals, and the method of making and using the substrate-free 2D tellurene crystals. The 2D tellurene crystals of the present disclosure are characterized by an X-ray diffraction pattern (CuK? radiation, ?=1.54056 A) comprising a peak at 23.79 (2?±0.1°) and optionally one or more peaks selected from the group consisting of 41.26, 47.79, 50.41, and 64.43 (2?±0.1°).

Abstract: A thermoelectric element can comprise a thermoelectric body and a multi-layer contact structure. The multi-layer contact structure can contain a first metal layer overlying a surface of the thermoelectric body and a second metal layer directly overlying the first metal layer, wherein the first metal layer and the second metal layer include the same metal, and the first metal layer has a different phase than the second metal layer.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods can provide for solid-state refrigeration below 1 degree Kelvin. By applying a simple sequence of ac electrical signals to a gated semiconductor device, electrons are cooled in a refrigeration sequence that, in turn, provides cooling directly to the heat load of interest. Electrons in a single subband of a semiconductor quantum well are expanded adiabatically into several subbands, resulting in a temperature drop. Repeated application of this cycle at MHz-GHz frequencies results in a significant cooling power. The anticipated cooling powers can compete with today's standard cryogenic system, the dilution refrigerator, which represents the market standard for achieving cryogenic temperatures.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a power generation element, includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and a crystal member. A direction from the second conductive layer toward the first conductive layer is along a first direction. The crystal member is provided between the first conductive layer and the second conductive member. The crystal member includes a crystal pair. The crystal pair includes a first crystal part and a second crystal part. A second direction from the first crystal part toward the second crystal part crosses the first direction. A gap is provided between the first crystal part and the second crystal part. The first conductive layer is electrically connected to the first crystal part. The second conductive layer is electrically connected to the second crystal part.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion material includes: a base material that is a semiconductor composed of a base material element; a first additional element that is an element different from the base material element, has a vacant orbital in a d orbital or f orbital located internal to an outermost shell of the first additional element and forms a first additional level in a forbidden band of the base material; and a second additional element that is an element different from both of the base material element and the first additional element and forms a second additional level in the forbidden band of the base material. A difference is 1 between the number of electrons in an outermost shell of the second additional element and the number of electrons in at least one outermost shell of the base material element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric material excellent in heat resistance with less degradation of thermoelectric characteristics even in a high temperature environment. The thermoelectric material comprises a compound represented by a chemical formula Mg2Si1-xSnx (0<x<1) wherein at least one of the Si site and the Sn site of the compound is replaced with at least one of Sb and Bi, and an added Fe.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material element includes: a thermoelectric material portion composed of a thermoelectric material that includes a first crystal phase and a second crystal phase during an operation, the second crystal phase being different from the first crystal phase; a first electrode disposed in contact with the thermoelectric material portion; and a second electrode disposed in contact with the thermoelectric material portion and disposed to be separated from the first electrode. During the operation, the thermoelectric material portion includes a first temperature region having a first temperature, and a second temperature region having a second temperature lower than the first temperature of the first temperature region. A ratio of the first crystal phase to the second crystal phase in the first temperature region is larger than a ratio of the first crystal phase to the second crystal phase in the second temperature region.

Abstract: A method for preparing a solid electrolyte for an all-solid state battery, may include obtaining a slurry by dispersing a first raw material comprising lithium sulfide; and a second raw material selected from the group consisting of silicon sulfide, phosphorus sulfide, germanium sulfide, boron sulfide, and a combination thereof in a solvent; and drying the slurry.

Abstract: A method for determining a temperature of an object includes contacting the object with a first electrical conductor. A difference in electronegativity between the object and the first electrical conductor is greater than a predetermined value. The method also includes contacting the object or a substrate on which the object is positioned with a second electrical conductor. A difference in electronegativity between the object or the substrate and the second electrical conductor is less than the predetermined value. The method also includes connecting the first and second electrical conductors together. The method also includes measuring the temperature of the object using the first and second electrical conductors. The first and second electrical conductors form at least a portion of a thermocouple.

Abstract: Provided is method of preparing an alkali metal-sulfur cell, comprising: (a) combining a quantity of a cathode active material (selected from sulfur, a metal-sulfur compound, a sulfur-carbon composite, a sulfur-graphene composite, a sulfur-graphite composite, an organic sulfur compound, a sulfur-polymer composite or a combination thereof), a quantity of an electrolyte, and a conductive additive to form a deformable cathode material, wherein the conductive additive, containing conductive filaments, forms a 3D network of electron-conducting pathways and the electrolyte contains an alkali salt and an ion-conducting polymer dissolved or dispersed in a solvent; (b) forming the cathode material into a quasi-solid cathode, wherein the forming includes deforming the cathode material into an electrode shape without interrupting the 3D network of electron-conducting pathways such that the cathode maintains an electrical conductivity no less than 10?6 S/cm; (c) forming an anode; and (d) forming a cell by combining the c

Abstract: Ion separation media are described herein employing thermoelectric materials and architectures. In some embodiments, an ion separation medium comprises a layer of inorganic nanoparticles having a Seebeck coefficient sufficient to transport ionic species in a liquid medium along surfaces of the layer in the presence of a thermal gradient.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material which minimize the content of components that degrade thermoelectric performance and thus can be usefully used in thermoelectric devices including the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a test cell for measuring electrode characteristics including an electrode assembly having a first reference electrode, a second reference electrode, and a first electrode, which is a target of characteristic measurement, wherein the electrode assembly is housed and sealed in a pouch type battery case made of a laminate sheet with an electrolyte solution.

Abstract: This invention describes a thermoelectric energy generation device based on the ExB drift in a semiconductor. The material is in depletion mode to avoid cancellation of the electric field by space charges. Under ideal, infinite mobility, zero-collision conditions, electrons and holes drift in the same direction, perpendicularly to the electric and magnetic fields, resulting in a zero-output current. However, when mobility is finite, their differing properties such as mobility, effective mass, and charge, manifest themselves as different drift velocity and drift direction resulting in a net output current and power. This invention leverages carriers' properties to accentuate these differences and maximize the output power.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion material according to an embodiment is expressed by the following formula (1): (M11-xM2x)4Si(Te1-yM3y)4 ??(1) wherein M1 represents Ta or Nb, M2 is at least one element selected from a group consisting of elements of groups 4 to 12 in the periodic table, M3 is at least one element selected from a group consisting of As, Sb, Bi, Sn and Pb, 0?x<0.02, 0?y<0.02, and M2 is an element different from M1 when 0<x.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to compositions comprising substrate-free 2D tellurene crystals, and the method of making and using the substrate-free 2D tellurene crystals. The 2D tellurene crystals of the present disclosure are characterized by an X-ray diffraction pattern (CuK? radiation, ?=1.54056 A) comprising a peak at 23.79 (2?±0.1°) and optionally one or more peaks selected from the group consisting of 41.26, 47.79, 50.41, and 64.43 (2?±0.1°).

Abstract: Devices for generating electrical energy along with methods of fabrication and methods of use are disclosed. An example device can comprise one or more layers of a transition metal dichalcogenide material. An example device can comprise a mechano-electric generator. Another example device can comprise a thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes a flexible first substrate, and a number of sets of N and P thermoelectric legs coupled to the first substrate. Each set includes an N and a P thermoelectric leg electrically contacting each other through a conductive material on the first substrate. The thermoelectric device also includes a rigid second substrate, a conductive thin film formed on the second substrate, and a number of pins corresponding to the number of sets of N and P thermoelectric legs. Each pin couples the each set on an end thereof away from the first substrate to the conductive thin film formed on the second substrate, and is several times longer than a height of the N and P thermoelectric legs.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion material having excellent thermoelectric performance over a wide temperature range, and a thermoelectric conversion module providing excellent junctions between thermoelectric conversion materials and electrodes. An R-T-M-X-N thermoelectric conversion material has a structure expressed by the following formula: RrTt-mMmXx-nNn (0?r?1, 3?t?m?5, 0?m?0.5, 10?x?15, 0?n?2), where R represents three or more elements selected from the group consisting of rare earth elements, alkali metal elements, alkaline-earth metal elements, group 4 elements, and group 13 elements, T represents at least one element selected from Fe and Co, M represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ru, Os, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, and Au, X represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of P, As, Sb, and Bi, and N represents at least one element selected from Se and Te.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion material has a composition represented by General Formula LkRrTt?mMmSbx. Here, L includes at least one element selected from rare earth elements. R includes two or more elements selected from the group consisting of alkali metal elements, alkali earth metal elements, Group 4 elements, and Group 13 elements. T includes at least one element selected from Fe and Co. M includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ru, Os, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, and Au. In addition, 0.50?k?1.00, 0.1?r?0.5, 3.0?t?m?5.0, 0?m?0.5, 10.0?x?11.5, and x/t<3.0 are satisfied.

Abstract: A cathode for a lithium-sulfur battery includes a copper-containing current collector, over which an active material layer is disposed. A method of producing the cathode is provided. A lithium-sulfur battery including the cathode provides improved capacity and cycleability.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to lithium sulfur batteries and methods of producing the same. As described herein, preventing coarsening of sulfur during the well-known melt-diffusion processing of cathodes allows a high areal capacity of 10.7 mAh/cm2 at current density of 3.4 mA/cm2 (C-rate of 1/5 h?1). The addition of a lithium salt, such as LiTFSI, prior to melt-diffusion can prevent coarsening of molten sulfur and allows creation of a sulfur electrode with a high concentration of triple-phase junctions for electrochemical reaction. In some embodiments, approximately 60-70% utilization of the theoretical capacity of sulfur is reached at a high loading (e.g., greater than 7.5 mg S/cm2). The electrodes are prepared in lean-electrolyte environment of 3 mlelectrolyte/gsulfur (˜70 vol % of electrolyte in the electrode) for high areal capacity in Li—S batteries.

Abstract: There is provided a thermoelectric conversion material which is characterized by being composed of a sintered body of plate-like crystals of a composite oxide represented by general formula (2) BifCagM3hCoiM4jOk, and by having a density of 4.0-5.1 g/cm3. This thermoelectric conversion material is also characterized in that: when observed by SEM, the ratio of the plate-like crystals of a composite oxide represented by general formula (2) having an inclination in the major axis direction within 0±20° relative to the surface of the thermoelectric conversion material is 60% or more on the number basis; the average length of the lengths of the plate-like crystals of a composite oxide represented by general formula (2) is 20 ?m or more; and the aspect ratio of the plate-like crystals of a composite oxide represented by general formula (2) is 20 or more.

Abstract: A condensation inhibiting device includes a condensation inhibiting unit for inhibiting condensation on a first surface, and a thermoelectric generator which powers the condensation inhibiting unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a negative electrode active material which can prevent reduction in battery capacity by suppressing reaction of an electrolyte solution at the surface of the negative electrode active material as well as can reduce resistance resulting from the formation of a film. A negative electrode active material 90 for a lithium ion secondary battery comprises a carbon material 92 capable of reversibly storing and releasing lithium, an amorphous carbon membrane 94 coating the surface of the carbon material and a film 96 containing a phosphate compound and coating the surface of the amorphous carbon membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoelectric material with excellent thermoelectric conversion performance. The thermoelectric material is expressed by Chemical Formula 1 below: CuxSe1-yXy??<Chemical Formula 1> where X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I, 2<x?2.6 and 0<y<1.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermoelectric component includes coating at least one fiber with thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric component has an annular configuration and the coated fiber extends in a circumferential direction over an angular range of at least 120°. A thermoelectric component and a motor vehicle having a thermoelectric component are also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermoelectric object for a thermoelectric conversion device is provided. A starting material which contains elements in the ratio of a half-Heusler alloy is melted and then cast form an ingot. The ingot is heat-treated for 12 to 24 hours at a temperature of 1000° C. to 1200° C. The homogenised ingot is crushed and ground to provide a powder. The powder is cold-pressed and sintered for 0.5 to 24 hours at a temperature of 1000° C. to 1500° C.

Abstract: Compound semiconductors, expressed by the following formula: Bi1-xMxCuwOa-yQ1yTeb-zQ2z. Here, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg, Cs, K, Na, Cd, Hg, Sn, Pb, Eu, Sm, Mn, Ga, In, Tl, As and Sb; Q1 and Q2 are at least one element selected from the group consisting of S, Se, As and Sb; x, y, z, w, a, and b are 0?x<1, 0<w?1, 0.2<a<4, 0?y<4, 0.2<b<4 and 0?z<4. These compound semiconductors may be used for various applications such as solar cells or thermoelectric conversion elements, where they may replace compound semiconductors in common use, or be used along with compound semiconductors in common use.

Abstract: Provided is a thermoelectric material including metal oxide powder and thermoelectric powder. Thus, an internal filling rate is improved so that a Peltier effect can be maximized according to the increase of electrical conductivity and a Seebeck coefficient and the reduction of thermal conductivity, thereby enabling the improvement of the figure of merit (ZT) of a thermoelectric element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lithium secondary battery having reduced internal resistance. The lithium secondary battery comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode comprises, as a positive electrode active material 30, a lithium transition metal composite oxide having a layered structure. In a surface region 82A of a positive electrode active material particle 82, at least one species among elements belonging to groups 3 to 7 of the periodic table is supplemented by ion implantation.

Abstract: A thermoelectric element includes a body formed of a single thermoelectric material and extending in a first direction along which a thermal gradient is established in thermoelectric operation, wherein the body has at least first and second adjacent sections in the first direction; at least one of the sections is subject to stress which is applied to that section substantially all around a central axis of the body in the first direction; and the arrangement is such that the stress results in different strain in the first and second sections producing an energy barrier in the body to enhance thermoelectric operation.

Abstract: A coin-type lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode includes a negative electrode active material including a silicon alloy material, a conductive agent including a carbon material, and a binder. The silicon alloy material includes a phase A including a lithium-silicon alloy and a phase B including an intermetallic compound of a transition metal element and silicon. In the lithium-silicon alloy, a ratio of lithium atoms relative to silicon atoms is 2.75 to 3.65 in a 100% state-of-charge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new compound semiconductor material which may be used for thermoelectric material or the like, and its applications. The compound semiconductor may be represented by Chemical Formula 1 below: Chemical Formula 1 <Chemical Formula 1> Bi2TexSea-xInyMz where, in Chemical Formula 1, M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Co, Ag and Ni, 2.5<x<3.0, 3.0?a<3.5, 0<y and 0?z.

Abstract: Doped and partially-reduced oxide (e.g., SrTiO3-based) thermoelectric materials. The thermoelectric materials can be single-doped or multi-doped (e.g., co-doped) and display a thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of 0.2 or higher at 1050 K. Methods of forming the thermoelectric materials involve combining and reacting suitable raw materials and heating them in a graphite environment to at least partially reduce the resulting oxide. Optionally, a reducing agent such as lanthanum boride, titanium carbide, titanium nitride, or titanium boride can be incorporated into the starting materials prior to the reducing step in graphite. The reaction product can be sintered to form a dense thermoelectric material.

Abstract: A nanomesh phononic structure includes: a sheet including a first material, the sheet having a plurality of phononic-sized features spaced apart at a phononic pitch, the phononic pitch being smaller than or equal to twice a maximum phonon mean free path of the first material and the phononic size being smaller than or equal to the maximum phonon mean free path of the first material.

Abstract: A thermal stress of electrode members (121 to 123) due to an operation temperature may be relaxed by thermal stress relaxation layers (141 to 144), and thus peeling of the electrode members (121 to 123) due to thermal stress at the operation temperature may be prevented in a satisfactory manner. Furthermore, diffusion of a constituent component of the thermoelectric conversion members (111 and 112) due to the operation temperature and the like may be prevented by diffusion prevention layers (151 to 154), and thus durability and stability of the thermoelectric conversion module (100) may be improved.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element includes a pair of electrodes and a pyroelectric material, which is a ferroelectric layer, sandwiched between the pair of electrodes. The pyroelectric material includes at least Bi (bismuth), La (lanthanum), and Fe (iron). The molar fraction of La in a Bi/La site in the crystal structure of the pyroelectric material is 0.15 or more and 0.20 or less. Such a thermoelectric conversion element, and a light detection device and electronic apparatus which include the thermoelectric conversion element have a good pyroelectric function without including Pb (lead).

Abstract: A nanocomposite including: a thermoelectric material nanoplatelet; and a metal nanoparticle disposed on the thermoelectric material nanoplatelet.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material including: a two dimensional nanostructure having a core and a shell on the core. Also, a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric apparatus including the thermoelectric material, and a method of preparing the thermoelectric material.

Abstract: A gauge system and method for monitoring well pressure at temperatures in excess of 300° C. used in permanent monitoring of oil and gas wellbores. The gauge system includes an analogue output transducer and a long cable which is an extruded mineral insulated multi-core cable with a seam welded corrosion resistant metal outer sheath. The transducer is enclosed in a pressure tight corrosion resistant housing and the housing is pressure sealed to the metal outer sheath. The method includes applying signal conditioning and processing to the measurements to compensate for characteristics of the transducer, the cable and the environment and thereby provide continuous monitoring of the wellbore.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material including a thermoelectric semiconductor; and a nanosheet disposed in the thermoelectric semiconductor, the nanosheet having a layered structure and a thickness from about 0.1 to about 10 nanometers. Also a thermoelectric element and thermoelectric module including the thermoelectric material.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material including a thermoelectric matrix; and nano-inclusions in the thermoelectric matrix, the nano-inclusions having an average particle diameter of about 10 nanometers to about 30 nanometers.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material and methods of manufacturing thereof are disclosed. In general, the thermoelectric material comprises a Group V-VI host, or matrix, material and Group III-V or Group IV-VI nanoinclusions within the Group V-VI host material. By incorporating the Group III-V or Group IV-VI nanoinclusions into the Group V-VI host material, the performance of the thermoelectric material can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to nanocomposite thermoelectric materials that exhibit enhanced thermoelectric properties. The nanocomposite materials include two or more components, with at least one of the components forming nano-sized structures within the composite material. The components are chosen such that thermal conductivity of the composite is decreased without substantially diminishing the composite's electrical conductivity. Suitable component materials exhibit similar electronic band structures. For example, a band-edge gap between at least one of a conduction band or a valence band of one component material and a corresponding band of the other component material at interfaces between the components can be less than about 5kBT, wherein kB is the Boltzman constant and T is an average temperature of said nanocomposite composition.