Noun
work function (plural work functions)
(physics) The minimum energy needed to remove an electron from the surface of a material
Because polysilicon is a semiconductor, its work function can be modulated by adjusting the type and level of doping. Source: Internet
Below is a table of work function values for various elements. Source: Internet
By coating the tungsten with a substance of lower work function (e. Source: Internet
By contrast, the work functions of metals are not easily modulated, so tuning the work function to obtain low threshold voltages becomes a significant challenge. Source: Internet
Consequently, this means that when a voltage is applied to a material, the electrostatic potential ϕ produced in the vacuum will be somewhat lower than the applied voltage, the difference depending on the work function of the material surface. Source: Internet
For example, in a semiconductor the minimum photon energy would actually correspond to the valence band edge rather than work function. Source: Internet