Thermopower in alpha phase alloys of Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge and As in Ag at low temperatures

Abstract

Measurements have been made of the thermopowers of a series of alloys covering the complete alpha phases of Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge and As in Ag. The data for these alloys and for the corresponding Cu-based systems are analysed on a two-band model using supporting data on resistivity and lattice thermal conductivity. The phonon drag component shows enhancement at low solute concentrations and the behaviour of this at about 30-40K is described within the framework of a simple model. The full temperature and concentration dependence of the diffusion component requires further sophistication of the model.