Thermoelectric effects in spin field-effect transistors

We investigate the thermoelectric effects in a spin field-effect transistor with ferromagnetic leads held at different temperatures. The thermopower S and thermoelectric figure of merit ZT oscillate with the increase of the Rashba spin-orbit coupling strength. The oscillation amplitude of ZT decreases with increasing the spin polarization. S and ZT are strongly influenced by the interfacial barrier strength Z, exhibiting a nonmonotonous change with Z. The thermoelectric effects are also manipulated by the magnetization configuration of the ferromagnetic leads. It is expected that the present study of the thermoelectric effects is helpful in the design of thermoelectric devices. -- Highlights: → The thermopower S and thermoelectric figure of merit ZT in an SFET are studied. → S and ZT oscillate with the increase of the Rashba spin-orbit coupling strength. → The oscillation amplitude of ZT decreases with increasing the spin polarization. → S and ZT exhibit a nonmonotonous change with the interfacial barrier strength.