A single saddle model for the beta-relaxation in supercooled liquids

TL;DR

This paper models beta-relaxation in supercooled liquids using a single saddle harmonic oscillator, revealing a universal time-scale and scaling behavior consistent with Mode Coupling Theory near the critical temperature.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical framework linking the eigenvalue spectrum of stationary points to relaxation dynamics, providing a new perspective on beta-relaxation in supercooled liquids.

Findings

Identifies a unique time-scale t_eps determined by the eigenvalue spectrum.

Shows the mean square displacement exhibits a plateau with power-law scaling.

Demonstrates the model's predictions align with Mode Coupling Theory near Tc.

Abstract

We study the Langevin equation for a single harmonic saddle as an elementary model for the beta-relaxation in supercooled liquids close to Tc. The input of the theory is the spectrum of the eigenvalues of the dominant stationary points at a given temperature. We prove in general the existence of a time-scale t_eps, which is uniquely determined by the spectrum, but is not simply related to the fraction of negative eigenvalues. The mean square displacement develops a plateau of length t_eps, such that a two-step relaxation is obtained if t_eps diverges at Tc. We analyze the specific case of a spectrum with bounded left tail, and show that in this case the mean square displacement has a scaling dependence on time identical to the beta-relaxation regime of Mode Coupling Theory, with power law approach to the plateau and power law divergence of t_eps at Tc.