Nanoscale heat transfer and nanostructured thermoelectrics

Heat transfer at nanoscales differs significantly fiom that in macroscales because of size effects on the phonon and electron transport. Nanoscale heat transfer effects have significant implications for the microelectronic industry, from the thermal management, the device design and reliability, and the active cooling considerations. Past studies have shown that heat conduction in nanostructures can be significantly impeded below that of the predictions of the Fourier theory. Such side effects imply higher device temperatures than anticipated and demand more stringent thermal management measures. On the other hand, similar size effects can be exploited for developing highly efficient thermoelectric materials for direct cooling.