Semiballistic thermal conduction in polycrystalline SiGe nanowires

Ballistic heat conduction remains a controversial nanoscale phenomenon because of its occurrence and strength depending on the material, alloy composition, and temperature. Here, we discuss the impact of ballistic thermal conduction and compare the results with theoretical predictions. We experimentally investigate ballistic thermal transport in SiGe polycrystalline nanowires by measuring the length dependence of thermal conductivity for different alloy compositions and temperatures. At room temperature, our experiments show that ballistic effects are negligible in nanowires made of pure polycrystalline Si but become stronger as the Ge composition increases. As we decreased the temperature, we observed that ballistic contribution becomes even stronger.Ballistic heat conduction remains a controversial nanoscale phenomenon because of its occurrence and strength depending on the material, alloy composition, and temperature. Here, we discuss the impact of ballistic thermal conduction and compare the results with theoretical predictions. We experimentally investigate ballistic thermal transport in SiGe polycrystalline nanowires by measuring the length dependence of thermal conductivity for different alloy compositions and temperatures. At room temperature, our experiments show that ballistic effects are negligible in nanowires made of pure polycrystalline Si but become stronger as the Ge composition increases. As we decreased the temperature, we observed that ballistic contribution becomes even stronger.