Thermoelectric voltage at point contacts by electron tunneling effect

When a temperature drop exists across a point contact which is formed by pressing a metal whisker against a metal plate, the thermoelectric voltage can be measured, even though the entire electric circuit is made from the same metal. This phenomenon is a result of the characteristic thermoelectric power (TEP), which depends on the electron tunneling effect through a several-angstroms-thick oxide layer at the point contact. In this study, the experimental values and theoretical values of the TEP are compared. There is a possibility of producing a new type of thermal probe using this point contact apparatus.