Investigation of thermoelectric parameters of solid solutions Pb1−xSnxTe〈Cd〉 and determination of their applications

A new modified Bridgman method of the growth of volumetric solid solutions of the A4B6 compounds is developed. Experimental investigations of thermoelectric parameters of four compositions, grown by the mentioned method, are carried out. The iso-structural transition for all compositions at T≈300 K in the form of sharp peak in the electrical conductivity was observed, its explanation is given. High values of thermal e.m.f. coefficient (400–450 μV/K) have detected for the n-Pb1−xSnxTe〈Cd〉 samples. On the basis of experimental data and calculations, it is shown that there is enough wide temperature range, where the mentioned high values kept save. It opens possibilities to use these materials as sensors of thermal radiation. It is shown that due to features of band structure, under certain conditions, it is possible to increase the efficiency of the p-Pb1−xSnxTe〈Cd〉 composition up to 4×10−3 to 6×10−3 K−1.