Energy redistribution between quasiparticles in mesoscopic silver wires

We have measured with a tunnel probe the energy distribution function of qu asiparticles in silver diffusive wires connected to two large pads ("reserv oirs"), between which a bias voltage was applied. From the dependence in en ergy and bias voltage of the distribution function we have inferred the ene rgy exchange rate between quasiparticles. In contrast with previously obtai ned results on copper and gold wires, these data on silver wires can be wel l interpreted with the theory of diffusive conductors either solely, or ass ociated with another mechanism, possibly the coupling to two-level systems.