Direct measurement of the slow α-relaxation modes of a metallic liquid near the glass transition

Modulated-temperature calorimetry measurements on the bulk glass-forming Pd40Ni40P20 alloy yielded the complex specific heat response of the deeply undercooled melt near the static glass transition. The imaginary contributions to the complex signal give direct access to the spectrum of slow alpha -relaxation modes of the undercooled liquid state that are frozen in upon vitrification. The results are discussed with respect to the kinetics of the glass transition and compared to results obtained from static equilibrium measurements. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.