By using deep-level transient spectroscopy, it was found that the substitutional Au atom concentration in precipitate-containing O-rich monocrystals was about an order of magnitude lower than that in O-poor material (under given diffusion conditions). The diffusion of P near to the surfaces increased this concentration, by 2 orders of magnitude, up to the solubility limit. This was suggested to be due to the injection of self-interstitials into the bulk, and to the gettering of contaminants; thus increasing their efficiency as sinks for self interstitials, and transforming interstitial Au atoms into substitutional ones.

E.Yakimov, I.Périchaud, S.Martinuzzi: Solid State Phenomena, 1996, 47-48, 275-80