Spin orbit coupling enhanced thermionic cooling in two-dimensional semiconductor structures

Abstract

We theoretically investigate the effect of Rashba spin–orbit coupling (RSO) on thermionics properties of two-dimensional semiconductor. Due to the hybridization of parabolic and linear energy dispersion, the thermal energy equipartition is modified. The thermionic emission from the lower spin branch is enhanced and that from the upper spin branch is reduced. For a double quantum well cooling structure under lower doping, the net heat transported through the structure is enhanced by RSO. The coefficient of performance (COP) is improved by about 20% in the low bias regime and around 3% in the high bias regime. Since the RSO can be further tuned by an applied field, the COP can be further optimized.