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 α 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 α, 3.2, 25 and 180×10^-34 cm^2 sec./quant. These values of α range from 10^-2 to 10^-3 of the maximum theoretical values. The ratios are interpreted as the fraction of light absorbed by the electrons in the surface potential barrier.