Diffusion in a magnetic field

Abstract

The effect of a magnetic field on ambipolar diffusion is considered and it is shown that for a heterovalent metal alloy, significant diffusion inhibition should occur in a transverse magnetic field when ω2ceτ2e → μe/μi, where ωce and τe are the cyclotron frequency and relaxation time respectively for the diffusion transported electrons, and μe and μi, are respectively the electron and ion mobilities. Ambipolar diffusion becomes essentially electron motion controlled when [Formula: see text]. The magnetic field effect on diffusion in Al(rich)–Cu alloys (previously reported) is discussed in relation to the criteria developed.