Analysis of Kelvin Probe Operational Models

TL;DR

This paper evaluates various operational models of Kelvin Probe instruments, analyzing their precision limits and biases in estimating contact potential difference using covariance analysis and the Cramer-Rao bound.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of Kelvin Probe models, quantifies their precision limits, and assesses biases in contact potential difference estimation.

Findings

Determined the precision limits of different Kelvin Probe models.

Quantified biases introduced by estimation methods.

Identified optimal models for accurate contact potential difference measurement.

Abstract

We present a study of several models on which Kelvin Probe instruments with flat and spherical tips rely for operation and for the determination of the contact potential difference. Using covariance analysis, we have investigated the precision limits of each model as imposed by the Cramer-Rao bound. Where the situation demanded, we have evaluated the bias introduced by the method in the estimation of the contact potential difference.