The binding energies of up to six deuterium atoms into monovacancies of Pd, Ni, Fe, Cu, Nb, and Mo have been calculated using the effective-medium theory. For all metals it is found that at least six D atoms can be accommodated in the vacancy. Of the systems studied the deuterium-deuterium interaction is found to be least repulsive for Pd. This multiple occupancy of the vacancy defect can have potentially significant implications for the recently proposed fusion of D atoms in Pd.

• Received 18 April 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.40.1990