Sedimentation of substitutional solute atoms in condensed matter; New type of diffusion

Mashimo, Tsutomu

Defect and Diffusion Forum, 237-240(1), p.30 - 37, 2005/00

Mega-gravity field realizes the sedimentation of even atoms, and is expected to create a nonequilibrium crystal-chemical state in condensed matter. We presented a self-consistent diffusion equation for sedimentation of atoms in condensed matter. Next, we developed an ultracentrifuge to generate strong acceleration field of over 1 million g, and, recently, succeeded in realization of the sedimentation of substitutional solute atoms in some alloys. The diffusion coefficients of sedimentation on Bi-Sb alloy were estimated to be much greater than those of conventional one. It is suggested that the sedimentation of substitutional atoms in solids or liquids can be included in a new type of diffusion, where the diffusion mechanism was yet unknown. In this article, the recent progress in the investigation of sedimentation of atoms under mega-gravity field is reviewed, and the diffusion mechanism is discussed. The application of the mega-gravity field is also discussed.