Design and build up of measurement system to determine metal electron work function

• Main Author: Yew, Henry Guo Chang.
• Other Authors: Tan Cher Ming
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/53236
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In this project, the design and build up of a measurement system for a scanning Kelvin probe system to determine metal electron work function of a metal sample were required. Metal like any other material has a lifespan and will fail sooner or later which in turn may cause disruptions to our daily life such as machinery, vehicles and structures. This project aims to detect metal fatigue and defects through its electron work function in which work function topography and gradient can be plotted out to better identify the location on the metal that suffers from the defect. Overall health of metal can also be determined through its topography. The determination of electron work function of metal is be carried out by using contact potential differences between each point on a metal and a reference point, the Kelvin probe tip in the case of the scanning Kelvin probe system. More detailed procedure in obtained of contact potential difference was presented in this report. Selection process and implementation of hardware, equipments and considerations that were required and needed to be taken care of were described. Program logic, flow and coding of the program required for the measuring system were included. Details of tests carried out on each hardware and designed circuits were also included.