Glassy phases of the Gaussian Core Model

TL;DR

This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the supercooled dynamics of the Gaussian Core Model across different densities, revealing distinct glassy behaviors and transitions between them.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the transition from cage-based to continuous particle motion, characterizing two different glass states in the Gaussian Core Model.

Findings

Low-density dynamics are cage-like and intermittent.

High-density dynamics involve continuous particle motion.

Two distinct glass states are identified based on density regimes.

Abstract

We present results from molecular dynamics simulations exploring the supercooled dynamics of the Gaussian Core Model in the low- and intermediate-density regimes. In particular, we discuss the transition from the low-density hard-sphere-like glassy dynamics to the high-density one. The dynamics at low densities is well described by the caging mechanism, giving rise to intermittent dynamics. At high densities, the particles undergo a more continuous motion in which the concept of cage loses its meaning. We elaborate on the idea that these different supercooled dynamics are in fact the precursors of two different glass states.