Abstract
ZENER has recently1 discussed Fowler's theory2 of the spectral selective photo-electric effect, and concludes that it is incapable of explaining the observed order of magnitude of the emitted current. Inasmuch as a direct calculation3 of the photo-electric emission from a pure metal yields a spectral distribution curve differing only slightly from typical experimental curves for selective emitters, except as regards order of magnitude, the author considers Zener is right in stressing this last point as the main feature to be explained by a successful theory. Nevertheless, Zener's objection is not sufficient to dispose of Fowler's theory.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
C. Zener, Phys. Rev., 47, 15; 1935.
R. H. Fowler, Proc. Roy. Soc., A, 128, 123; 1930.
G. Wentzel, “Sommerfeld Festschrift”, 79; 1928. H. Fröhlich, Ann. Phys., 7, 109; 1930. I. Tamm and S. Schubin, Z. Phys., 68, 97; 1931. A. Sommerfeld and H. Bethe, “Geiger-Scheel Handbuch der Physik”, 2nd ed., 24/2, 468; 1933. K. Mitchell, Proc. Roy. Soc., A, 146, 442; 1934.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MITCHELL, K. The Spectral Selective Photo-Electric Effect. Nature 135, 789–790 (1935). https://doi.org/10.1038/135789b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/135789b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
