Volta potential by its work function, and so dissimilar metals can show an electric potential difference even at equilibrium. The Volta potential is "not" an intrinsic property of the two bulk metals under consideration, but rather is determined by work function differences between the metals' surfaces. Just like the work function, the Volta potential depends sensitively on surface state, contamination, and so on. The potential is given by the formula: formula_1, where V is the potential, The Volta potential can be significant (of order 1 volt) but it cannot be measured directly by an ordinary voltmeter. A voltmeter does not measure vacuum
Spreading resistance profiling least formula_6 thick. With the aid of calibration resistivity standards, formula_3 can be determined at each probing by the probe pair. A bias of 5mV is applied across the probe tips. The measured resistance can range from 1-ohm to one billion ohms. A "log R" amplifier or electrometer is used to measure the resistance. The modern SRP has two tungsten carbide probe tips placed about 20 um apart. Each tip is mounted on a kinematic bearing to minimize "scrubbing". The probes are lowered very gently onto a beveled piece of silicon or germanium. Although the loading of the probe tips