Macroscopic theory of the electron work function in solids

Abstract

The approach is based on the dielectric formalism theory. The relations for calculation of the electron work function in solids – metals, semiconductors and dielectrics, were obtained. The calculated results are in an agreement with experimental ones. This approach can be used for computation of work function values of numerous materials.

Keywords:

• work function
• plasmons
• surface properties

Acknowledgement

I thank Prof V.K. Nevolin for useful discussions.