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A Novel Method for True Work Function Determination of Metal Surfaces by Combined Kelvin Probe and Photoelectric Effect Measurements

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Abstract

We have developed a novel method for in-situ measurements of the true work function (ϕ) of metal surfaces by combined ultra-high vacuum compatible Kelvin Probe and photoelectric effect measurements. The work function is an extremely sensitive parameter of surface condition and can be used to study oxidation and thin film growth on metal surfaces. For example, the increase in ϕ due to oxidation of polycrystalline rhenium is 1.9eV.

The Kelvin Probe measures local work function differences between a conducting sample and a reference tip in a non-contact, truly non-invasive way over a wide temperature range. However, it is an inherentlyrelative technique and does not provide anabsolute work function if the work function of the tip (ϕtip) is unknown.

We present a novel approach to measure ϕtip with the Kelvin Probe via the photoelectric effect, using a Gd foil as the photoelectron source, hereby combining the advantages of both methods to provide the absolute work function of the sample surface. We demonstrate the application of the technique byin-situ work function measurements during oxidation of polycrystalline rhenium. The extended Kelvin Probe method therefore has potential applications as a characterisation tool for thin film epitaxy and work function engineering of surfaces.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Physics, The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

    Bert Lägel, Iain D. Baikie, Konrad Dirscherl & Uwe Petermann

Authors
  1. Bert Lägel
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  2. Iain D. Baikie
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  3. Konrad Dirscherl
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  4. Uwe Petermann
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Lägel, B., Baikie, I.D., Dirscherl, K. et al. A Novel Method for True Work Function Determination of Metal Surfaces by Combined Kelvin Probe and Photoelectric Effect Measurements. MRS Online Proceedings Library 619, 73–78 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-619-73

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