Analytical approaches to time and length scales in models of glasses

Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to review recent analytical results about the growth of a (static) correlation length in glassy systems, and the connection that can be made between this length scale and the equilibrium correlation time of its dynamics. The definition of such a length scale is first given in a generic setting, including finite-dimensional models, along with rigorous bounds linking it to the correlation time. We then present some particular cases (finite connectivity mean-field models, and Kac limit of finite dimensional systems) where this length can be actually computed.

Chapter of "Dynamical heterogeneities in glasses, colloids, and granular media", Eds.: L. Berthier, G. Biroli, J-P Bouchaud, L. Cipelletti and W. van Saarloos (Oxford University Press, to appear), more info at http://w3.lcvn.univ-montp2.fr/~lucacip/DH_book.htm