Sensitivity of arrest in mode-coupling glasses to low-q structure

TL;DR

This paper uses mode coupling theory to analyze how variations in liquid structure influence glass arrest, revealing a strong sensitivity to low-q structure that varies with the type of glass.

Contribution

It demonstrates the significant impact of low-q structural changes on glass arrest, especially in repulsive glasses, expanding understanding of structure-property relationships.

Findings

Increase in $S(q_0/2)$ lowers arrest in repulsive glasses

Strong sensitivity to low-q structure in repulsive glasses

Weaker sensitivity in attractive glasses with short-range bonds

Abstract

We quantify, within mode coupling theory, how changes in the liquid structure affect that of the glass. Apart from the known sensitivity to the structure factor $S(q)$ at wavevectors around the first sharp diffraction peak $q_0$, we find a strong (and inverted) response to structure at wavevectors \emph{below} this peak: an increase in $S(q_0/2)$ {\em lowers} the degree of arrest over a wide $q$-range. This strong sensitivity to `caged cage' packing effects, on length scales of order 2d, is much weaker in attractive glasses where short-range bonding dominates the steric caging effect.