Influence of samarium on the thermoelectric figure of merit of Sm{sub x}Pb{sub 1-x}Te alloys

The temperature and concentration dependences of the electrical (conductivity {sigma}, the Hall coefficient R), thermoelectric (thermovoltage {alpha}), and thermal (thermal conductivity K{sub tot}) characteristics of Sm{sub x}Pb{sub 1-x}Te alloys (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08) are studied in the temperature range 100-500 K. Using the data for {sigma}, {alpha}, and K{sub tot}, the thermoelectric power {alpha}{sup 2}{sigma}, figure of merit Z, and efficiency {delta} are calculated. It is established that at room-temperature {alpha}{sup 2}{sigma} and Z peak at the hole concentration p Almost-Equal-To 1.2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 18} cm{sup -3}.