On the theory of diffusion of light interstitials in metals

Using a nonlinear-screening approach the potential energy of positively charged light interstitials in Cu and lattice distortions around these particles have been determined numerically. The calculations predict a marked isotope effect for the lattice distortions around positive muons and protons at octahedral interstitial sites. They indicate that in Cu the diffusion mechanisms for positive muons and for hydrogen isotopes may be different.