Tel Aviv University


Tel Aviv University
Physics Colloquium

Academic Year  2009 - 2010


The colloquium is held at Melamed Hall (Room 6) in the Shenkar Physics Building, every Sunday at 16:10. Light refreshments are served outside Melamed Hall at 15:50. 

 

February 21, 2010

"Statistical Mechanics of the Glass Transition"

Prof. Itamar Procaccia
Dept. of Chemical Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science
Recipient of the 2009 Israel Prize in Physics


  Using two extremely different models of glass formers in two and three dimensions we demonstrate how to encode the subtle changes in the geometric rearrangement of particles during the scenario of the glass transition. We construct a statistical mechanical description that is able to explain and predict the geometric rearrangement, the temperature dependent thermodynamic functions and the α-relaxation time within the measured temperature range and beyond. The theory is based on an up-scaling to proper variables (quasi-species) which is validated using a simple criterion. Once constructed, the theory provides an accurate predictive tool for quantities like the specific heat or the entropy at temperatures that cannot be reached by measurements.  

Host: Prof. Ron Lifshitz, x5145
 
Spring 2010 Schedule

For more information or for directions to Melamed Hall please contact:
Chava Balson  03-6408636

To suggest potential speakers or register feedback contact: Ron Lifshitz  03-6405145, Ehud Nakar  03-6405385, or Nissan Itzhaki  03-6406490.


Sponsored by:   The Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics & Astronomy, The Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University.