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Microscopic Theory of Heterogeneity and Nonexponential Relaxations in Supercooled Liquids

Journal Article · · Physical Review Letters
Recent experiments show that supercooled liquids around the glass transition temperature are {open_quotes}dynamically heterogeneous{close_quotes} [H. Sillescu, J.Non-Cryst.Solids 243, 81 (1999)]. Such heterogeneity is expected from the random first order transition theory of the glass transition. Using a microscopic approach based on this theory, we derive a relation between the departure from Debye relaxation as characterized by the {beta} value of a stretched exponential response function, {phi}(t)=e{sup {minus}(t/{tau}{sub KWW}){sup {beta}}} , and the fragility of the liquid. The {beta} value is also predicted to depend on temperature and to vanish as the ideal glass transition is approached at the Kauzmann temperature.
Sponsoring Organization:
(US)
OSTI ID:
40204628
Journal Information:
Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 24 Vol. 86; ISSN 0031-9007
Publisher:
The American Physical Society
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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