Atom Movement in ${\mathrm{In}}_{3}\mathrm{La}$ Studied via Nuclear Quadrupole Relaxation

Atom Movement in ${In}_{3} La$ Studied via Nuclear Quadrupole Relaxation

Matthew O. Zacate, Aurélie Favrot, and Gary S. Collins

Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 225901 – Published 4 June 2004; Erratum Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 049903 (2004)

Abstract

Jump frequencies of Cd tracer atoms in ${In}_{3} La$ were measured via nuclear quadrupole relaxation caused by stochastic reorientation of the electric field gradient using the method of perturbed angular correlation of gamma rays. Activation enthalpies of 0.53(1) and 0.81(1) eV were found at the two phase boundaries, which differ in composition by only about 0.1 at. %. The jump frequency was found to be higher at the more In-rich phase boundary, ruling out a simple In-vacancy diffusion mechanism. Possible diffusion mechanisms and general applicability of the method are discussed.