Quantum diffusion of light interstitials in metals

A quantum theory of diffusion of self-trapped light interstitials in metals is presented. The theory encompasses both coherent and incoherent tunneling, but the approximation used neglects the dependence of the interstitial transfer matrix element on the vibrational state of the crystal. The coherent tunneling contribution is estimated by fitting the incoherent diffusion rate to experimental data for hydrogen and muon diffusion. It is predicted that coherent diffusion should be dominant below ～ 80 K for H in Nb and below ～ 190 K for μ⁺ in Cu. Experimental verifications of these predictions would require high purity strain free samples and low concentrations of the diffusing species.