Theory Of Seebeck Ratchet In A Noncentrosymmetric Electron-Phonon Coupled System

A thermoelectric effect of the noncentrosymmetric electron-phonon coupled system is proposed, in which a temperature difference between electrons and phonons, instead of a spatial temperature gradient, induces an electric current. This is a realization of the Seebeck ratchet in solids with the asymmetric energy dispersion of electrons, and the dynamical phonons act as the fluctuation of the scalar potential and induce the dc current. Possible realizations of this mechanism are also discussed.