Semiconductor material, method for generating carrier in electroconductive layer, thermoelectric conversion element, and switching element

An embodiment of the present invention is a semiconductor material having a piezoelectric layer that contains a piezoelectric material, and an electroconductive layer that contains an electroconductive material and either is made to contact the piezoelectric layer or is provided with another layer interposed therebetween. The semiconductor material generates a carrier in the electroconductive layer using polarization generated by imparting external stimulation to the piezoelectric layer.