Thermally Induced Carrier Distribution in a Piezoelectric Semiconductor Fiber

We study the effects of a uniform temperature change on the electromechanical fields associated with the extensional deformation of a piezoelectric semiconductor fiber. The macroscopic theory of thermo-piezoelectric semiconductors is used. Based on the three-dimensional equations, we develop a one-dimensional model for thin piezoelectric semiconductor fibers incorporating thermoelasticity, piezoelectricity, and pyroelectricity. Through a theoretical analysis, it is shown that under a temperature change the carriers in the fiber redistribute themselves under the electric field produced through thermoelastic, pyroelectric and piezoelectric effects. This phenomenon of thermally induced redistribution of charge carriers may be called thermo-piezotronic effect. It suggests the possibility of sensing or transduction between a temperature change and electric currents.