Sensor utilizing thermoelectric material and method for manufacture thereof

摘要

In a fine structure of a thermoelectric material, fine particles of a material exhibiting Seebeck effect are electrically linked in a loosely contacted state with one another without fusing, having spaces formed at clearances among the fine particles. A method of manufacturing the thermoelectric material comprises a step of compacting fine particles made of a material exhibiting Seebeck effect through a cold pressing. Also, disclosed is a sensor for quantitatively sensing a substance, which comprises a pellet of a powder thermoelectric material, where a temperature difference is generated between two points inside the piece of thermoelectric material. The sensor further includes thermocouples connected to a heater plate (6) and a cooling plate, and a controller which is electrically connected in the loop circuit of the thermocouples for detecting thermoelectric current corresponding to the temperature difference, thereby to control the heating of the heater plate.