# Work Function: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Reality > Explore common misunderstandings about the work function of materials. This webinar recording dials in to the mainstream and modern techniques used to measure work function and sharing tactics to ensure you’re accessing the right information with these methods. Covalent speakers Roland Barbosa, PhD, and Chris Moore, PhD discuss both the theory and the practice behind […] Source: https://covalent.com/webinars/work-function-bridging-the-gap-between-theory-and-reality/ Updated: 2025-12-19T12:49:46+00:00 --- ![](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/themes/covalent/assets/images/blog-default-banner.jpg) ![](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/themes/covalent/assets/images/blog-mobile-banner.jpg) # Work Function: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Reality 2020-10-08 11:00:00 | 2026-05-25 07:55:51 October 8 2020, 11:00 am PT | 60 min Explore common misunderstandings about the work function of materials. This webinar recording dials in to the mainstream and modern techniques used to measure work function and sharing tactics to ensure you’re accessing the right information with these methods. Covalent speakers Roland Barbosa, PhD, and Chris Moore, PhD discuss both the theory and the practice behind measurement and how to avoid common misconceptions that can skew accurate analysis. ## This Webinar will Cover: - Why is work function important and why do we measure it? - Theory vs. reality of how we measure work function. - Common and novel measurement techniques (including, but not limited to: Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy, and Photoelectron Spectroscopy in Atmosphere). - Pros and Cons of Different Measurement Techniques. ## What is Work Function? The work function of a material reflects the amount of energy required to free an electron from the valence band (or Fermi Level) in the material’s solid state to the vacuum level. Although sometimes used as a material property, all work function measurements measure the properties of the surface, not the bulk. 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