Rate theory of acceleration of the defect annealing driven by discrete breathers

TL;DR

This paper proposes a model where discrete breathers, large amplitude localized vibrations, significantly accelerate defect annealing in solids like germanium by energizing atoms around defects, with rates amplified by plasma-generated DB flux.

Contribution

It introduces a new model linking discrete breathers to defect annealing acceleration, supported by atomistic simulations and plasma interaction mechanisms.

Findings

Discrete breathers can energize atoms around defects significantly.

Annealing rate amplification is proportional to DB flux.

Plasma-generated DBs can enhance defect healing in solids.

Abstract

Novel mechanisms of defect annealing in solids are discussed, which are based on the large amplitude anharmonic lattice vibrations, a.k.a. intrinsic localized modes or discrete breathers (DBs). A model for amplification of defect annealing rate in Ge by low energy plasma-generated DBs is proposed, in which, based on recent atomistic modelling, it is assumed that DBs can excite atoms around defects rather strongly, giving them energy $\gg k_BT$ for $\sim$100 oscillation periods. This is shown to result in the amplification of the annealing rates proportional to the DB flux, i.e. to the flux of ions (or energetic atoms) impinging at the Ge surface from inductively coupled plasma (ICP)