Photoelectron emission measurements, alternating on the same surface with ellipsometric and surface‐potential‐difference measurements, have been made during cyclic flexure fatigue of aluminum samples. A high cyclic fatigue rate was achieved with a unique electromagnetic drive. Measurements were conducted as a function of strain amplitude and oxide‐film thickness. Argon‐ion bombardment was used to achieve a pure aluminum surface. Most of the measurements, including Auger spectroscopy, were conducted in ultrahigh vacuum. The fatigue‐enhanced optically stimulated electron emission (OSEE or exo‐electron current) increases with strain amplitude or surface roughening and decreases with oxide thickness. The mechanism of emission is discussed in relation to enhanced plasmon coupling due to surface roughening during fatigue cycling.