Optical single-molecule experiments in supercooled liquids show strong dynamical heterogeneity. Individual dopant molecules tumble at various rates, depending on their local environments [1]. Moreover, the memory of these heterogeneities can be exceedingly long, depending on the thermal history of the sample [1]. We have tried to clarify the origin of the heterogeneity with a broad range of experiments, including macroscopic rheology [2,3], optical microscopy of dye-doped glycerol [4], and neutron scattering [5]. The picture emerging from these measurements is a mixture of liquid-like and solid-like parts, the latter one composed of nanocrystallites in the case of molecular liquids. We plan new experiments with larger probes, to test heterogeneity at higher temperatures.[1] Zondervan et al., PNAS 104 (2007) 12628;  [2] ibid., 105 (2008) 4993; [3] M�bius et al., J. Chem. Phys. 114 (2010) 7439; [4] Xia et al., J. Phys. Chem. B 113 (2009) 15724; [5] Yuan et al., J. Chem. Phys. 136 (2012) 041102.

Dynamical heterogeneity in supercooled glycerol

244th National Meeting (2012)

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