SKM 2023 – scientific programme

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CPP: Fachverband Chemische Physik und Polymerphysik

CPP 24: Complex Fluids and Soft Matter I (joint session DY/CPP)

CPP 24.10: Talk

Tuesday, March 28, 2023, 12:30–12:45, MOL 213

Ergodicity breaking in overpacked colloidal hard spheres — •Hans Joachim Schöpe — Universität Tübingen, Institut für angewandte Physik, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, 72076 Tübingen

The ergodic hypothesis is an essential prerequisite for the applicability of statistical mechanics in thermodynamic equilibrium. Direct experimental evidence of the validity of the ergodic hypothesis is extremely rare. Furthermore, the question arises to what extent - if at all - ergodicity exists in non-equilibrium. We have realized a novel dynamic light scattering experiment, which makes it possible to determine the probability distribution of relaxation-times in colloidal suspensions. We present here a systematic study of the relaxation-time distribution in colloidal hard spheres at the transition from equilibrium to non-equilibrium. In thermodynamic equilibrium, we can impressively confirm the ergodic hypothesis and show that the fluctuations are of a Gaussian nature. Out of equilibrium, we can detect non-Gaussian behavior, which increases rapidly with increasing undercooling (overpacking). The ergodic hypothesis is no longer fulfilled in non-equilibrium. Furthermore, we observe that the metastable fluid ages in the induction stage, the non-Gaussian fluctuations increase in the time before crystallization sets in. To what extent these fluctuations cause crystallization must be clarified in the future.