The theory of the Kelvin Probe was first promoted by Lord Kelvin in 1861. The Kelvin probe technique is a non-destructive test method that uses the work function to detect differences across the surface of a sample and can detect such things as adsorbed layers, surface charges, surface contaminants, coating discontinuities etc. It involves the use of a vibrating capacitance probe and measures the difference in potential between it and the sample surface.
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