Thermo-electricity at low temperatures VII. Thermo-electricity of the alkali metals between 2 and 20 °K

Abstract

In earlier work, the absolute thermo-electric force, E, of the alkalis was measured from about 60 degrees K down to about 4 degrees K. The absolute thermo-electric power (S = dE/dT) could then be derived with fair accuracy down to perhaps 8 degrees K. The thermo-electric power of all the alkali metals has now been measured directly between 2 and 20 degrees K, and the Thomson heats derived therefrom. The results are compared with the theory both of the 'normal' thermo-electric power and the Gurevich or 'phonon-drag' effect. It is clear from the work that experiments below 1 degrees K in this field will be of much interest and a programme has been started in this temperature range.