Physics (Internal)

Glassy dynamics as a consequence of the equilibrium liquid to solid transition

This event is part of the Condensed Matter Theory Seminar Series.

We will review the underpinning of the micro-canonical ensemble and the more refined (and explicitly quantum) "Eigenstate Thermalization Hypothesis". We will then find and apply a simple corollary of these to analyze the evolution of a liquid upon supercooling to form a structural glass. Simple theoretical considerations lead to a predictions for general properties of supercooled liquids. Amongst other things, a collapse of the viscosity of glass formers is predicted from this theory. This collapse indeed occurs over 16 decades of relaxation times for all known types of glass formers.