Ubiquity of quantum zero-point fluctuations in dislocation glide

Modeling the dislocation glide through atomic scale simulations in Al, Cu, and Ni and in solid solution alloys Al( Mg) and Cu(Ag), we show that in the course of the plastic deformation the variation of the crystal zero-point energy (ZPE) and the dislocation potential energy barriers are of opposite sign. The multiplicity of situations where we have observed the same trend allows us to conclude that quantum fluctuations, giving rise to the crystal ZPE, make easier the dislocation glide in most materials, even those constituted of atoms heavier than H and He.