Thermoelectric response in zigzag chains: Impact of irradiation-induced conformational changes

Abstract

This study explores the enhancement of thermoelectric response in a zigzag chain through irradiation with arbitrarily polarized light. The irradiation induces changes in hopping strengths, creating an asymmetric transmission profile around the Fermi energy, which is a crucial factor for achieving a higher figure of merit (FOM). Specific light configurations result in an FOM exceeding unity. We employ the Floquet–Bloch ansatz and minimal coupling scheme to model the irradiation effect, with transport properties evaluated using Green’s function technique within the Landauer–Büttiker formalism. The investigation covers electrical conductance, thermopower, and thermal conductance due to electrons and phonons. Our research deepens understanding and opens avenues for tailoring nanostructures to fine-tune thermoelectric properties, advancing highly efficient energy conversion devices exploiting irradiation effects.