Objective
In the last two years, nanostructures such as quantum dot superlattices have been experimentally demonstrated to have enormous promise as high efficiency thermoelectric materials, however why such high efficiencies can be obtained with these materials is not yet clearly understood. The applicant has previously demonstrated that nanostructured thermionic electron heat engines can operate with Carnot efficiency when the energy range of electrons transmitted through the device is infinitesimally narrow. In this project we will seek to demonstrate that a similar mechanism underlies the high efficiencies recently observed in nanostructured thermoelectric devices. Our approach will be to study a tractable model of a quantum dot superlattice thermoelectric device consisting of an array of one-dimensional quantum mechanical rings (the simplest possible quantum dots) in which inelastic scattering occurs by electron interaction with electronic reservoirs, following a technique developed by Buttiker. By identifying the underlying physical mechanisms for the high efficiency observed in nanostructured thermoelectric devices, we will answer questions which are of fundamental interest in theoretical condensed matter physics and thermodynamics, as well providing a 'road-map' for future experimental work in low-dimensional thermoelectrics.
This project is extremely well aligned with the objectives of the IIF. The applicant is a 'top-quality' post-doctoral researcher working in condensed matter theory, who has so far been based in experimental groups. To continue to work at a high level in theory, the applicant would benefit substantially from a period of training with Buttiker, a internationally renowned theorist specialising in electronic transport in nanostructures. The applicant has 'hands-on' experience in both nanofabrication and theory, and is thus in an excellent position to facilitate future international collaborative projects between theorists and experimentalists.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences condensed matter physics
- natural sciences physical sciences thermodynamics
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP6-2002-MOBILITY-7
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
IIF - Marie Curie actions-Incoming International Fellowships
Coordinator
GENèVE 4
Switzerland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.