In-situ work function measurements in thermoelectronic generators

Work function measurements are critical both for vacuum electronics and solid state devices. We demonstrate that thermoelectronic generators are suitable not only for energy harvesting, but also for work function measurements. Here, we report on in-situ measurements of single crystal Nb:SrTiO
₃
and of LaB
₆
thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition. These measurements provide a proof of concept and illustrate possibilities for work function engineering using epitaxial oxide heterostructures.