Film thickness, strain and atomic structure dependencies on the work function

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Work function of the matters reflects the topology of the surface, bonding nature of the adsorbates and hence its importance has long been recognized in the field of surface science. However, its relationship to the atomic structure and electronic structure has not been understood fully yet. In the present project, we have investigated the relationship between both the macroscopic and microscopic origin of the work function together with the atomic structure, chemical composition, and strain at solid surfaces, especially for the cases of ultrathin films.We have studied the correlation between the electronic structure in the Pb ultrathin film and work function by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope. Correlation between the surface potential change and the energy shift in the surface electronic state has been clarified by the standing wave observation for the Pb overlayer on the Au(111) surface. The observed standing wave pattern explained the energy shift in the surface electronic state, which is in agreement with the work function change in the same system.