Dynamics of atomic diffusion in condensed matter: origin of the Meyer-Neldel compensation law

A new model that explains the Meyer-Neldel rule of atomic diffusion processes in condensed matter is presented. Phonon absorption and emission processes by diffusing atoms are separately taken into account in the atomic jumping processes whereas in the conventional classical model of diffusion the phonon emission process is not explicitly taken into account. Excitation and relaxation of the accepted phonon modes in the system may cause Meyer-Neldel rule in atomic diffusion processes. It is emphasized that the numbers of atoms in the activated states dominate the diffusion processes. .