Resonance and Ionization Potentials for Electrons in the Monatomic Gases Argon, Neon and Helium

Abstract

The monatomic gases argon, neon and helium were tested for resonance potential. The method used was that first described by Tate in his work with mercury vapor. As a further check of the results a method similar to Lenard's method was used. Experiments are described which show the necessity of properly freeing the metal electrodes from adsorbed and occluded gases. The curves obtained indicate that argon has a resonance potential and that neon and helium do not.