Theory of a quantum-mechanical nucleation rate: classical vs. quantal nucleation

TL;DR

This paper develops a quantum-mechanical theory of nucleation rates in supersaturated solids, comparing classical and quantum models, and validates the theory with experimental data.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum approach to nucleation, bridging Gibbs' free energy with quantum oscillator models, providing new insights into nucleation at high supersaturations.

Findings

Quantum nucleation rates differ from classical predictions at high supersaturations.

Theoretical results align well with experimental data.

Quantum effects become significant in small atomic systems during nucleation.

Abstract

We address problems arising in supersaturated systems of small atomic particles in solids. Nucleation processes in such systems do not seem to follow the classical interpretation but may be indicative of quantal nucleation partucularly at higher supersaturations. We reconcile Gibbs' free energy DeltaG vs. particle radius r dependence with the double-well oscillator energy vs. configurational coordinate q dependence to take advantage of the solution of a well-known eigenvalue problem. Theoretical results are presented and compared with experimental data.