Electrical conductivity measurements on disk-shaped samples

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Current electrical conductivity measurement systems are often limited to bar-shaped samples.
• Characterizing thermoelectric materials typically requires multiple sample geometries or cutting.
• A need exists for versatile sample holders that accommodate various measurement techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel sample holder design for electrical conductivity measurements on disk-shaped samples.
• To ensure compatibility with existing measurement infrastructure.
• To enable comprehensive thermoelectric characterization from a single sample geometry.

Main Methods:

• Finite element modeling (FEM) was employed to calculate geometrical correction factors for the new measurement configuration.
• An analytical fit function was developed to approximate FEM results with high accuracy.
• The sample holder was designed for compatibility with Seebeck coefficient and laser flash apparatus measurements.

Main Results:

• A disk-shaped sample holder design compatible with popular measurement systems was successfully developed.
• FEM calculations provided accurate geometrical correction factors for diverse sample and measurement configurations.
• An analytical fit function demonstrated excellent accuracy in approximating the modeling results.
• The design facilitates concurrent Seebeck coefficient measurements.
• The sample geometry is suitable for laser flash apparatus thermal conductivity measurements.

Conclusions:

• The developed sample holder design significantly enhances the versatility of electrical conductivity measurements.
• Complete thermoelectric characterization (electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity) is achievable without sample destruction.
• This innovation simplifies the experimental workflow and reduces material waste in thermoelectric research.