Liquid metal contact as possible element for thermotunneling

Tavkhelidze A, Tsakadze L, Taliashvili Z, Jangidze L., Cox I (2013) Liquid metal contact as possible element for thermotunneling. US patent 8,575,597.

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Abstract

The use of liquid metal contacts for devices based on thermotunneling has been investigated. Electric and thermal characteristics of low wetting contact Hg/Si, and high wetting contacts Hg/Cu were determined and compared. Tunneling I-V characteristics for Hg/Si were obtained, while for Hg/Cu, I-V characteristics were ohmic. The tunneling I-V characteristic is explained by the presence of a nanogap between the contact materials. Heat conductance of high wetting and low wetting contacts were compared, using calorimeter measurements. Heat conductance of high wetting contact was 3-4 times more than of low wetting contact. Both electric and thermal characteristics of liquid metal contact indicated that it could be used for thermotunneling devices. To reduce the work function and make liquid metal more suitable for room temperature cooling, Cs was dissolved in liquid Hg. Work function as low as 2.6 eV was obtained.

Item Type:	Patent
Subjects:	T Technology > T Technology (General)
Divisions:	Faculties/Schools > School of Natural Sciences and Engineering
Depositing User:	Professor Avtandil Tavkhelidze
Date Deposited:	08 May 2014 09:29
Last Modified:	02 Apr 2015 08:04
URI:	http://eprints.iliauni.edu.ge/id/eprint/1425

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