thermionic work function

symbol: W
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.09297
Parameter describing the apparent work function of a solid that controls the electronic current density, J, emitted from a conductor at temperature T. W=−kTln⁡(J/AT2), where k is the Boltzmann constant and A is the Richardson constant.
Notes:
  1. For polycrystalline solids, the thermionic work function will be close to the minimum work function of the crystallites present.
  2. Richardson constant, A=(4πmek2e)/h3≈1.202×106 Am−2K−2 where me is the mass of the electron, e the elementary charge, and h is the Planck constant.
See also: photoelectric work function
Source:
PAC, 2020, 92, 1781. (Glossary of methods and terms used in surface chemical analysis (IUPAC Recommendations 2020)) on page 1817 [Terms] [Paper]
Citation: 'thermionic work function' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.09297 RIS BibTex EndNote
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