Parameters (νs/νt, ∆Es) for Ag/Ag(111), describing the interlayer diffusion probability, were measured by using various methods. Different results were obtained for the pre-factor ratio, νs/νt, with νs/νt > 1 being deduced below 150K and νs/νt ~ 1 deduced for 300K. Possible reasons for the discrepancy included a dependence of the step-edge barrier upon the type of microscopic site (i.e., kinks or straight-step sites) and long-range interactions. Both factors could lead to a non-Arrhenius temperature dependence. The conditions required for a steady state to hold in island decay experiments were examined, and it was concluded that νs/νt ~ 1 when such conditions were fulfilled for Ag/Ag(111).

Analysis of Pre-Factors for Interlayer Diffusion of Ag/Ag(111). Z.Chvoj, M.Tringides: Physical Review B, 2002, 66[3], 035419 (6pp)