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<abstract xmlns="http://eprints.org/ep2/data/2.0">Low WF electrode, composed from a metal&#13;
Ridged quantum well (RQW) layer and a base substrate, is&#13;
proposed. The substrate material was selected so that&#13;
electrons were confined to the RQW. The work function&#13;
(WF) value depends on ridge geometry and electron&#13;
confinement. We calculate WF in the metal RQW films&#13;
grown both on a semiconductor and metal substrates. For&#13;
most material pairs, the WF was reduced dramatically.&#13;
Such structures, can serve as electrodes for thermionic and&#13;
thermo-tunnel energy converters and coolers, operating at&#13;
room temperatures.</abstract>
