Spatially heterogeneous dynamics in supercooled liquids

TitleSpatially heterogeneous dynamics in supercooled liquids
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2000
AuthorsEdiger, M. D.
JournalAnnual Review of Physical ChemistryAnnual Review of Physical ChemistryAnnual Review of Physical Chemistry
Volume51
Pagination99-128
Type of ArticleReview
ISBN Number0066-426X
Accession NumberWOS:000165670900005
Keywordscooperativity, CORRELATION-FUNCTIONS, DIFFUSION, ENERGY LANDSCAPE MODEL, ENHANCED TRANSLATIONAL DIFFUSION, glass-forming liquid, GLASS-FORMING LIQUIDS, MOLECULAR-DYNAMICS, MULTIDIMENSIONAL NMR, non-exponential relaxation, O-TERPHENYL, REORIENTATION, ROTATIONAL, STRUCTURAL RELAXATION, TAGGED-PARTICLE MOTION, TRANSITION TEMPERATURE
Abstract

Although it has long been recognized that dynamics in supercooled liquids might be spatially heterogeneous, only in the past few years has clear evidence emerged to support this view. As a liquid is cooled far below its melting point, dynamics in some regions of the sample can be orders of magnitude faster than dynamics in other regions only a few nanometers away. In this review, the experimental work that characterizes this heterogeneity is described. in particular, the following questions are addressed: How large are the heterogeneities? How long do they last? How much do dynamics vary between the fastest and slowest regions? Why do these heterogeneities arise? The answers to these questions influence practical applications of glass-forming materials, including polymers, metallic glasses, and pharmaceuticals.

Short TitleAnnu. Rev. Phys. Chem.Annu. Rev. Phys. Chem.
Alternate JournalAnnu. Rev. Phys. Chem.