Rotating Electrometer for Comparative Work Function Measurements

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Abstract
An apparatus for measuring work functions by the Kelvin method is described in which the customary vibrating motion is replaced by rotary motion. A set of three coplanar samples is mounted on a turntable which rotates below a set of three stationary samples. This arrangement permits simultaneous observation of three electrode pairs in all permutations and provides ready access to the sample surfaces for purposes of treatment, illumination, inspection, etc., without the necessity for repositioning. The rigid structure also permits the application of electrostatic fields between electrodes, which is difficult in a vibrating system. Measurements can be made in high vacuum by driving the turntable inductively with coils located outside the glass envelope. The instrument has a sensitivity of ±1 millivolt.