Properties of a continuous-random-network model for amorphous systems

TL;DR

This paper investigates the thermodynamic properties of a continuous random network model for amorphous materials like a-Si and a-SiO2 using Monte Carlo simulations, revealing a first-order melting transition and a glass transition.

Contribution

It introduces a systematic Monte Carlo bond-switching approach to study the thermodynamics of the continuous random network model, including heterostructures.

Findings

First-order melting transition observed in simulations

Evidence of a glass transition in supercooled liquid

Extension to heterostructures like amorphous-crystalline interfaces

Abstract

We use a Monte Carlo bond-switching method to study systematically the thermodynamic properties of a "continuous random network" model, the canonical model for such amorphous systems as a-Si and a-SiO$_2$. Simulations show first-order "melting" into an amorphous state, and clear evidence for a glass transition in the supercooled liquid. The random-network model is also extended to study heterogeneous structures, such as the interface between amorphous and crystalline Si.