Abstract
The phases present on the line Na 3− x K x Sb (0</ × </3) in the system sodium-potassium-antimony have been investigated by X-ray diffraction methods. The cubic compound NaaKSb, believed to be the photosensitive phase, is stable over a wide range of total composition which is consistent with the variation of Na/K ratio over which the photoelectric “multi-alkali” effect is observed. Substitution of potassium for sodium takes place up to Na 1.95K 1.05Sb. Solid solution of Na 3Sb in hexagonal K 3Sb is structurally limited to 33 mole per cent. The method used to prepare these samples differs markedly from the procedure used to form alkali antimonide photocathodes. However evidence is presented which indicates that the phases found in this investigation are also present in the evaporated photoelectric layers.
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