The Absolute Photoelectric Yields of Mg, Be and Na

Measurements of the absolute photoelectric yields for distilled surfaces of Mg, Be and Na were made and values of $\alpha$ in Fowler's photoelectric equation determined. For Mg, Be and Na the values of the work function are, respectively, 3.68, 3.92 and 2.29 volts and of $\alpha$, 3.2, 25 and 180×${10}^{-34\mathrm{}}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^2$ sec./quant. These values of $\alpha$ range from ${10}^{-2\mathrm{}}$ to ${10}^{-3\mathrm{}}$ of the maximum theoretical values. The ratios are interpreted as the fraction of light absorbed by the electrons in the surface potential barrier.