since I am new in physics, I am not quite familiar with these concepts. If there are some misunderstanding, please help me to clarify the difference between work function and Fermi energy.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
" In solid-state physics, the work function is the minimum thermodynamic work (i.e. energy) needed to remove an electron from a solid to a point in the vacuum immediately outside the solid surface."
The electron work function is generally measured by:
1. Thermoemission;
2. Contact Potential Difference;
3. Photoemission,
" The Fermi energy is a concept in quantum mechanics usually referring to the energy difference between the highest and lowest occupied single-particle states in a quantum system of non-interacting fermions at absolute zero temperature. In a Fermi gas, the lowest occupied state is taken to have zero kinetic energy, whereas in a metal, the lowest occupied state is typically taken to mean the bottom of the conduction band."
Dear Xue,
You can also take a look to an interesting discussion (and many others related) in the following link below:
http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/1042/how-would-i-calculate-the-work-function-of-a-metal?lq=1
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Physical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Materials
- Carbon Materials