Cooperativity Beyond Caging: Generalized Mode Coupling Theory

The validity of mode coupling theory (MCT) is restricted by an uncontrolled factorization approximation of density correlations. The factorization can be delayed and ultimately avoided, however, by explicitly including higher order correlations. We explore this approach within a microscopically motivated schematic model. Analytic tractability allows us to discuss in great detail the impact of factorization at arbitrary order, including the limit of avoided factorization. Our results indicate a coherent picture for the capabilities as well as limitations of MCT. Moreover, including higher order correlations systematically defers the transition and ultimately restores ergodicity. Power-law divergence of the relaxation time is then replaced by continuous but exponential growth.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

Colloidal glass transition: Beyond mode-coupling theory

A new theory for dynamics of concentrated colloidal suspensions and the colloidal glass transition is proposed. The starting point is the memory function representation of the density correlation function. The memory function can be expressed in terms of a time-dependent pair-density correlation function. An exact, formal equation of motion for this function is derived and a factorization approximation is applied to its evolution operator. In this way a closed set of equations for the density correlation function and the memory function is obtained. The theory predicts an ergodicity breaking transition similar to that predicted by the mode-coupling theory, but at a higher density.Comment: to be published in PR

Interaction between negative and positive index medium waveguides

The coupling between negative and positive index medium waveguides is investigated theoretically in this paper. A coupled mode theory is developed for such a waveguide system and its validity is verified. Interesting phenomena in the coupled waveguides are demonstrated, which occur in the case when the negative index medium waveguide in isolation guides its mode backward. A new type of coupled mode solution that varies exponentially with the coupling length is found in the special case when the propagation constants of two individual waveguides are nearly the same. A coupler operating in this case is insensitive to the coupling length, and its coupling efficiency can reach 100% as long as the coupling length is long enough. However, when the propagation constants of the two individual waveguides differ greatly, the coupled mode solution is still a periodic function of the coupling length, but the coupled power is output backward. In addition, the modes in the composite waveguide system are also studied using the coupled mode theory, and their fundamental properties are revealed.Comment: 7 page

Mode-Coupling Approximations, Glass Theory and Disordered Systems

We discuss the general link between mode-coupling like equations (which serve as the basis of some recent theories of supercooled liquids) and the dynamical equations governing mean-field spin-glass models, or the dynamics of a particle in a random potential. The physical consequences of this interrelation are underlined. It suggests to extend the mode-coupling approximation to temperatures well below the freezing temperature, in which aging effects become important. In this regime we suggest some new experiments in order to test a non-trivial prediction of the Mode-Coupling picture, which is a generalized relation between the short ($\beta$) and long ($\alpha$) time regimes.Comment: 32 pages, 7 figs., uuencoded ps fil