Seebeck Effect in Germanium

An apparatus for making measurements of the Seebeck effect between 20^∘{}K and 375^∘{}K is described.Experimental curves of the Seebeck effect are given for a series of germanium crystals in which various concentrations of acceptor and donor atoms have been incorporated. The Seebeck data are compared with Hall data obtained concurrently. Above 250^∘{}K the two effects can be correlated by means of existing theory. Below 250^∘{}K a marked discrepancy occurs between existing theory and experiment. The temperature dependence of this discrepancy and its dependence upon concentration of added atoms are given. The results are consistent with a new theory proposed by C. Herring which considers an interaction between the phonon and electron systems. A dependence of Seebeck voltage upon sample dimension which is predicted by Herring's theory has been found in the temperature region below 50^∘{}K.A value of (0.75±0.2)m has been determined for the mass parameter of both holes and electrons which enters into the "density of states" equation.