The thermal conductivity of insulators and semiconductors

Abstract

Abstract The thermal conductivity, over the entire temperature range, of insulators and semiconductors is discussed, starting with the concept of a phonon and a description of the various phonon scattering mechanisms. Graphs of experimental data are used to illustrate the effects of these scattering mechanisms on the conductivity, with respect to both the magnitude of the effects and the temperature ranges over which they are observed. Emphasis is placed on very recent developments. Several methods of electronic conduction in semiconductors, and radiative transmissions, are surveyed in both insulators and semiconductors. This review article concludes with a discussion of several applications including thermoelectric materials and heat sinks.