Frequency-dependent specific heat in quantum supercooled liquids: A mode-coupling study

TL;DR

This study uses quantum mode-coupling theory to analyze how the frequency-dependent specific heat varies in supercooled quantum liquids, revealing significant quantum effects near the glass transition.

Contribution

It introduces a perturbative method within QMCT to study relaxation in the moderate quantum regime, linking quantum effects to specific heat behavior in supercooled liquids.

Findings

Specific heat varies strongly with quantum effects and density.

Quantum and classical liquids show different dynamical mode contributions near transition.

Quantum effects become more prominent as the system approaches the glass transition.

Abstract

Frequency-dependence of specific heat in supercooled hard sphere liquid is computed using quantum mode-coupling theory (QMCT). Mode-coupling equations are solved using recently proposed perturbative method that allows to study relaxation in the moderate quantum regime where quantum effects assist liquid to glass transition. Zwanzig's formulation is used to compute the frequency-dependent specific heat in supercooled state using dynamical information from QMCT. Specific heat shows strong variation as the quantumness of the liquid is changed, which becomes more significant as density is increased. It is found that, near the transition point, different dynamical modes contribute to the specific heat in the classical and the quantum liquids.