Activated events in glasses: the structure of entropic droplets

Maxim Dzero, Joerg Schmalian, Peter G. Wolynes

Published 2005-02-01, updated 2005-02-15Version 2

Using an effective potential approach, we present a replica instanton theory for the dynamics of entropic droplets in glassy systems. Replica symmetry breaking in the droplet interface leads to a length scale dependent reduction of the droplet surface tension and changes the character of the dynamical heterogeneity and activated dynamics in glasses.