The measurement of Planck's constant using the visible photoelectric effect

Abstract

Presents an experimental and theoretical investigation of the sources of error in the measurement of Planck's constant using the photoelectric effect. It points out the approximate nature of the Einstein photoelectric equation and gives details of a method of determining h which avoids the problems of measuring 'cut-off' potentials. The design of a simple photodiode is also given which does not suffer from having a detectable reverse photocurrent or leakage current. Finally there is a brief discussion of the early measurements of h which attempts to show how some important misconceptions have arisen.