Self-Organization and the Physics of Glassy Networks

TL;DR

This paper discusses a new topological theory explaining the formation and properties of network glasses, addressing limitations of traditional theories by highlighting simple, topological mechanisms behind glass formation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel topological framework that accounts for the material-specific glass-forming tendencies and phase diagrams of network glasses, surpassing conventional theories.

Findings

Topological mechanisms explain glass formation in various materials.

The theory applies to chalcogenide alloys, silicates, and proteins.

It accounts for phase diagrams and material selectivity.

Abstract

Network glasses are the physical prototype for many self-organized systems, ranging from proteins to computer science. Conventional theories of gases, liquids, and crystals do not account for the strongly material-selective character of the glass-forming tendency, the phase diagrams of glasses, or their optimizable properties. A new topological theory, only 25 years old, has succeeded where conventional theories have failed. It shows that (probably all slowly quenched) glasses, including network glasses, are the result of the combined effects of a few simple mechanisms. These glass-forming mechanisms are topological in nature, and have already been identified for several important glasses, including chalcogenide alloys, silicates (window glass, computer chips), and proteins.