THE WORK FUNCTION OF URANIUM
The average work functions of vacuum-deposited uranium films and of uranium foil were measured by the Kelvin contact-potential-difference method, under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. The reference surface was that of well-aged polycrystalline tungsten. A reproducible value of 3.203 plus or minus 0.013 ev was found for the work function of the vacuum-deposited films. In the case of the foil, the work function increased continuously and monotonically with the duration of electron bombardment, eventually reaching a limiting value of 3.080 plus or minus 0.005 ev after about thirty-three hours' bombardment. Reasons were put forward for suggesting that the surface of the foil was not that of clean uranium, but of a patchwork of uranium and uranium monoxide. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, Berks, Eng.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-16-025808
- OSTI ID:
- 4802450
- Report Number(s):
- AERE-R-3819
- Journal Information:
- Proc. Phys. Soc. (London), Journal Name: Proc. Phys. Soc. (London) Vol. Vol: 80
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Language:
- English
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