Affiliation:
1. Centre for Energy Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network , P.O.B. 49, Budapest 1525, Hungary
Abstract
The dependence of electron work function, Φ, on the thickness of Ti layers was investigated by making use of the Kelvin method under ambient conditions. Layers were produced by vacuum phase deposition and were analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A quantum size effect was revealed finding work function to increase as the layer thickness, z, decreased below 4 nm. The extent of increase, ΔΦ, was understood in terms of a simple particle-in-a-box model arriving at the function ΔΦ=ℏ2π2/2mez2. This equation being free of any adjustable parameter, consisting only of the Planck constant and electron mass, seems to be a reasonable first approximation.
Funder
Eötvös Loránd Research Network
Subject
General Physics and Astronomy