Dielectric spectroscopy in benzophenone: The beta relaxation and its relation to the mode-coupling Cole-Cole peak

Abstract

We report a thorough characterization of the glassy dynamics of benzophenone by broadband dielectric spectroscopy. We detect a well pronounced beta relaxation peak developing into an excess wing with increasing temperature. A previous analysis of results from Optical-Kerr-effect measurements on this material within the mode coupling theory revealed a high-frequency Cole-Cole peak. We address the question if this phenomenon also may explain the Johari-Goldstein beta relaxation, a so far unexplained spectral feature inherent to glass-forming matter, mainly observed in dielectric spectra. Our results demonstrate that according to the present status of theory, both spectral features seem not to be directly related.

4 pages, 3 figures; second version as published; small changes of text according to referee suggestions; title changed according to editor's demands