The dynamical structure factor in topologically disordered systems

A computation of the dynamical structure factor of topologically disordered systems, where the disorder can be described in terms of Euclidean random matrices, is presented. Among others, structural glasses and supercooled liquids belong to that class of systems. The computation describes their relevant spectral features in the region of the high frequency sound. The analytical results are tested with numerical simulations and are found to be in very good agreement with them. Our results may explain the findings of inelastic x-ray scattering experiments in various glassy systems. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.