THEORY OF THE THERMOELECTRIC-POWER OF MODEL SEMIMETALS AND SEMICONDUCTORS

We briefly discuss available theories as well as hypotheses behind numerical work for the thermoelectric power (TEP). In particular we emphasize shortcomings for comparing usual theoretical and numerical results to data on semimetals and semiconductors in view of adapting our work to high temperature supercondutors. We extend previous theoretical work-based on Ziman formalism to take into account multiband structure and different types of carriers. To consider elastic and inelastic electron scattering mechanisms by phonons on the same footing is emphasized. The case of uncompensated materials is illustrated. Outcome of theoretical results could not be guessed a priori and qualitative agreement with TEP data is improved.