Analysis of silver self-diffusion data

We have analysed silver self-diffusion data in order to determine single and divacancy activation energies, Q 1 and Q 2, and frequency factors, D 10 and D 20. The existing data, including recent low-temperature data of Lam, Rothman, Mehrer and Nowick (1973), are adequately fitted assuming that the only important defects are mono-and divacancies. However, the diffusion parameters are highly uncertain. Q 1 lies between 1·85 and l·95 eV and D 10 between 0·1 and 0·5 cm2/sec. The divacancy properties are considerably less certain. Possible experimental and theoretical work which might lead to more precise diffusion parameters is also discussed.