Automated Microscope For Heat Flow Measurement

Developed to measure heat flow in thermoelectric materials with unparalleled precision, offering new possibilities for designing more efficient electronics and energy systems.

Scientists from DTU, Technion, and the University of Antwerp have unveiled a microscope capable of tracking the directional flow of heat in thermoelectric materials. This offers a major advancement in measuring how heat moves within materials, which is vital for enhancing the efficiency of electronic devices and energy systems.

Understanding heat transport in materials is essential for the development of high-performance electronics, such as faster computers and more efficient solar panels and batteries. The new microscope could significantly improve the design of thermoelectric devices—materials that convert heat into electricity—by providing detailed insights into heat flow at the nanometer scale.

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Traditional methods for studying heat transport often involve slow, complex setups or can damage the materials. However, the new thermal diffusivity microscope, detailed in a recent Science Advances paper, is based on the automated CAPRES microRSP platform. It enables high-resolution, non-destructive measurements without requiring special sample preparation.

In their tests, the team focused on Bi2Te3 (bismuth telluride) and Sb2Te3 (antimony telluride), materials commonly used in thermoelectric devices. The microscope’s ability to measure directional heat flow in these materials opens up new possibilities for optimizing thermoelectric performance.

The new method’s accuracy was confirmed through comparisons with existing techniques, solidifying its potential as a reliable, efficient tool for future materials research. “This microscope represents a significant leap forward in understanding heat transport at the nanoscale,” said Pryds, emphasizing its importance for the green transition.

“We need materials that manage heat efficiently and conduct electricity well, especially for energy applications,” said Nini Pryds, a professor at DTU Energy. “This new tool allows us to observe how heat moves in different directions within materials, which directly impacts their performance.”