Elastoplasticity Mediates Dynamical Heterogeneity Below the Mode-Coupling Temperature

TL;DR

This paper reveals that elastoplasticity significantly influences dynamical heterogeneity in supercooled liquids below the mode-coupling temperature, highlighting a long-range facilitation mechanism that deepens understanding of glassy dynamics.

Contribution

It demonstrates the emergence of long-range, elastically-mediated facilitation below the mode-coupling temperature, connecting supercooled liquids and glass states.

Findings

Long-range elastically-mediated facilitation appears below the mode-coupling temperature.

Dynamical heterogeneity involves both short-range and long-range facilitation mechanisms.

Results suggest a universal connection between supercooled liquids and glasses.

Abstract

As liquids approach the glass transition temperature, dynamical heterogeneity emerges as a crucial universal feature of their behavior. Dynamic facilitation, where local motion triggers further motion nearby, plays a major role in this phenomenon. Here we show that long-range, elastically-mediated facilitation appears below the mode-coupling temperature, adding to the short-range component present at all temperatures. Our results suggest deep connections between the supercooled liquid and glass states, and pave the way for a deeper understanding of dynamical heterogeneity in glassy systems.