Photostimulated exoelectron emission and slip-step geometry during tensile and compressive deformation

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Abstract
Photostimulated exoelectron emission produced by tensile deformation is much more intense than that produced by compressive deformation. This result is demonstrated for a number of metals and apparently is quite general. The strain required for the onset of emission is not appreciably different for either mode of deformation. However the intensity of emission increases rapidly with increasing tensile strain, whereas additional compressive strain has little further effect. In both cases the natural surface oxide cracks to reveal a fresh metal surface of lower work function, thereby increasing the photoelectric yield. The differing effects of tensile and compressive deformation can be correlated with the geometry of the slip steps as observed by scanning electron microscopy.