Enhancing the mechanical reliability of miniaturized thermoelectric cooler using nanotechnology underfill

Miniaturized thermoelectric coolers is one of the most promising active heat dissipating methods in hot spot cooling, laser cooling and other applications. Improving mechanical strength can potentially boost the reliability of this technology. In this paper, simulations and mechanical compression experiments were carried out on miniaturized thermoelectric coolers both with and without underfiller. The results of the simulations and experiments indicate that the underfill process technology is highly effective means to improve the mechanical strength of miniaturized thermoelectric coolers.