We present a method of modeling transport coefficients from first-principles calculations. We introduce the transport distribution that contains all electronic information and from which transport coefficients can easily be calculated. We use this method to analyze ${\mathrm{Bi}}_2{\mathrm{Te}}_3$ and calculate its transport coefficients for a comparison with experiment. The transport distribution gives an improved insight into the relationship between transport properties and electronic structure and is a valuable tool in the search for improved thermoelectric materials.

• Received 10 April 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.68.125210