Multi-Welled Tunneling Model for the Magnetic-Field Effect in Ultracold Glasses

Abstract

Puzzling observations of both thermal and dielectric responses in multi-silicate glasses at low temperatures $T$ to static magnetic fields $B$ have been reported in the last decade and call for an extension of the standard two-level systems tunneling model. An explanation is proposed, capable of capturing at the same time the $T$- and $B$-dependence of the specific heat $C_p$ and of the dielectric constant $ε$ in these glasses. This theory points to the existence of anomalous multi-welled tunneling systems in the glasses -- alongside the standard two-level systems -- and indications are given for glasses which should achieve larger electric magnetocapacitive enhancements.