Silicon Nanowire Device

This scanning electron microscope image shows a silicon nanowire resting on two silicon nitride (SiNx) membranes. Thermoelectric materials convert heat to electricity and vice versa. Most fossil-fuel-powered engines generate waste heat, so researchers are using nanotechnologies to explore ways of making thermoelectric devices more efficient in order to convert that waste heat to usable power—and thus save energy. This assembly was built to measure the thermal conductivity of a silicon nanowire synthesized specifically for thermoelectric applications.

Minimum credit:

Renkun Chen, University of California at Berkeley

Size:

The diameter of the central nanowire is approximately 100 nm.

Pixels: Width:

510

Pixels: Height:

441

Permissions:

This image was created by another institution, not the NISE Network. This image is available to NISE Network member organizations for non-profit educational use only. Uses may include but are not limited to reproduction and distribution of copies, creation of derivative works, and combination with other assets to create exhibitions, programs, publications, research, and Web sites. Minimum credit required.