Multilayer Thermionic Refrigeration

Abstract

A new method of refrigeration is proposed. Efficient cooling is obtained by thermionic emission of electrons over Schottky barriers between metals and semiconductors. Since the barriers have to be thin, each barrier can have only a small temperature difference $\left(\sim 1\mathrm{K}\right)$. Macroscopic cooling is obtained with a multilayer device. The same device is also an efficient generator of electrical power. A complete analytic theory is provided.