Are defect models consistent with the entropy and specific heat of glass-formers?

TL;DR

This paper critically examines the point-like defect model of glasses, demonstrating its failure to explain thermodynamic properties like excess specific heat near the glass transition, and discusses more general defect models.

Contribution

The paper refutes the applicability of the point-like defect model for glasses and explores extended defect models as alternatives.

Findings

Point-like defect models cannot explain excess specific heat.

Extended defect models are discussed as more comprehensive alternatives.

The critique challenges previous claims supporting point-like defect explanations.

Abstract

We show that point-like defect model of glasses cannot explain thermodynamic properties of glass-formers, as for example the excess specific heat close to the glass transition, contrary to the claim of J.P. Garrahan, D. Chandler [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 100, 9710 (2003)]. More general models and approaches in terms of extended defects are also discussed.