Simple models of glassy systems

Dr Robert Jack of Cambridge is presenting some of his research. He uses the theory of statistical mechanics to understand complex systems including biomolecules, glassy liquids, and soft matter.

Via Teams Link

Abstract: As liquids are cooled towards their glass transitions, diffusive particle motion gets very slow, and the dynamics become increasingly heterogeneous in space and time. The leading theories of glassy systems aim to explain these facts either through a hidden form of order in the arrangement of the particles, or by a set of excitations that mediate relaxation. I will illustrate these ideas and some of their consequences using Ising-like models with plaquette interactions, and discuss similarities and differences with atomistic (or colloidal) supercooled liquids.

Host: Dr Johan Mattsson