Graphene Charge Carrier Guide for Non-Ergodic Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for guiding charge carriers, such as electrons, in non-ergodic systems face challenges in achieving a simple construction and practical implementation due to the need for precise conditions and materials with short mean free path lengths, making it difficult to create devices that can efficiently guide carriers in a non-ergodic manner.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a guide device formed by materials with large mean free path lengths, such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, or van der Waals heterostructures, to create a movement region with a curved or angled path, where carriers can move freely along the main path while being deflected laterally, allowing for the generation of electrical voltage and power through asymmetric conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thin semiconductor layer is applied to a spherically curved surface with dimensions in the order of magnitude of the mean free path length, then electrons can be guided in a non-ergodic system, but the implementation becomes difficult due to the very small dimensions required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional semiconductors to graphene, which has an exceptionally large electron mean free path length (up to micrometer scale). This parameter change allows the semiconductor layer thickness to be increased from nanometer to micrometer scale, making the device much easier to manufacture while maintaining non-ergodic system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a graphene layer combined with a magnetic field generation system. The graphene provides the large mean free path length necessary for non-ergodic behavior, while the magnetic field (generated by permanent magnets or electromagnets) provides the Lorentz force to guide electron trajectories. This composite approach enables practical implementation of non-ergodic electron guidance
2Reliability
If the channel width is reduced below the de Broglie wavelength to achieve quantum-mechanical behavior, then quantum bound states can be formed, but the device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing the channel width to below the de Broglie wavelength, the patent changes the approach by utilizing graphene's inherently large electron mean free path. This allows the channel dimensions to be much larger (micrometer scale) while still achieving the desired electron guidance effects through the combination of long ballistic transport and magnetic field influence, significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements
3Reliability
If ideally parallel walls and frictionless reflection conditions are created, then a non-ergodic system can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and practical implementation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of creating ideally parallel walls with precise reflection properties with a field-based approach. By using a magnetic field to guide electron trajectories through the Lorentz force, the system achieves non-ergodic behavior without requiring mechanically complex perfectly parallel structures. The magnetic field naturally guides electrons along curved trajectories, achieving the desired effect with simpler device geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from relying on mechanical wall geometry (ideally parallel walls) to relying on material properties (graphene's large mean free path) and field parameters (magnetic field strength and distribution). This parameter change allows non-ergodic behavior to be achieved with much simpler device structures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enables the creation of a non-ergodic system with a simple construction, allowing for efficient generation of electrical voltage and power from thermal energy and electromagnetic noise, while also enabling cooling and measurement of physical characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a field-generating means (10) for generating a field (F) for guiding the carriers (2) at least substantially along the main path (H)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for guiding charge carriers and uses of the device are proposed, wherein the charge carriers are guided by means of a magnetic field along a curved or angled main path in a two-dimensional electron gas, in a thin superconducting layer or in a modification of carbon with a hexagonal crystal structure, so that a different presence density is produced at electrical connections.