A simple model of photoelectric emission is solved essentially exactly. The model consists of a one-dimensional solid whose free-electron-like conduction band is cut off by a potential step representing the surface. Inside are sparse random local elastic scattering centers. The rate equations of Kane are derived rigorously, and hence expressions are obtained for the number of photoelectrons which escape with and without scattering as a function of the mean free path, the electromagnetic penetration depth, and the transmission coefficient of the surface barrier.

• Received 27 July 1970

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.3.3120