Experimental Studies of Phase Transitions

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9315526 Cummins Depolarized light scattering is used to investigate dynamical aspects of the glass transition in a number of glass formers, including CKN, salol, ZnCl2 and glycerol. A major objective of the research is to compare the experimental data with the mode coupling theory (MCT) of Professor W. Gotze, Technical University of Munich, a collaborator in the project. The researchers will also carry out dielectric response, neutron scattering, ultrasonic, and high-pressure measurements in collaboration with other groups in an effort to reach a fully integrated picture of the structural relaxation processes in supercooled liquids and to clarify their role in the glass transition. %%% Despite much investigation, the fundamental nature of the molecular structure of a liquid as it supercools to form a rigid glass is not understood. This project will use a number of techniques, particularly light scattering to investigate the glass transition and to use the results to test a recent theory of the glass transition. ***