Elastoplasticity Mediates Dynamical Heterogeneity Below the Mode Coupling Temperature

As liquids approach the glass transition temperature, dynamical heterogeneity emerges as a crucial universal feature of their behavior. Dynamic facilitation, where local motion triggers further motion nearby, plays a major role in this phenomenon. Here we show that long-ranged, elastically mediated facilitation appears below the mode coupling temperature, adding to the short-range component present at all temperatures. Our results suggest deep connections between the supercooled liquid and glass states, and pave the way for a deeper understanding of dynamical heterogeneity in glassy systems.

Automated summary

As liquids approach the glass transition temperature, dynamical heterogeneity becomes a crucial universal feature of their behavior. Dynamic facilitation, where local motion triggers further motion nearby, is a major player in this phenomenon. Long-ranged, elastically mediated facilitation appears below the mode coupling temperature, in addition to the short-range component present at all temperatures. These results suggest strong connections between the supercooled liquid and glass states, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of dynamical heterogeneity in glassy systems.