Does charging metal negatively decrease the work function?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Charging a metal photocathode negatively does not significantly decrease the work function of electrons. While theoretically, a negative charge could reduce the work function, practical applications show minimal effects, particularly on flat surfaces and under realistic voltage conditions. Notably, sharp outer corners of the photocathode may exhibit some influence, but this is not the norm.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of photocathode materials and their properties
  • Knowledge of work function in electron emission
  • Familiarity with electrostatic charging principles
  • Basic concepts of electron behavior in electric fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of surface geometry on work function
  • Explore the principles of electron emission in photocathodes
  • Study the impact of voltage on electron behavior in charged materials
  • Investigate advanced materials for photocathodes and their performance
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, materials scientists, and electrical engineers interested in electron emission technologies and photocathode applications.

Christofer Br
Messages
51
Reaction score
0
Since positive charge on the photocatode increases work function of electrons, does charging metal photocatode negatively decrease work function? If not, why?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Christofer Br said:
Since positive charge on the photocatode increases work function of electrons
It doesn't, at least not notably. It just makes the electrons fly back after they were released.
Christofer Br said:
does charging metal photocatode negatively decrease work function?
In principle: Yes. In practice you won't see an effect for flat surfaces and realistic voltages. For very sharp outer corners you can see an effect.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K