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Experimental and numerical signatures of dynamical crossover in orientationally disordered crystals

F. Affouard·E. Cochin·R. Decressain·M. Descamps
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Abstract

By means of NMR experiment and MD computer simulation we investigate the dynamical properties of a chloroadamantane orientationally disordered crystal. We find a plastic-plastic dynamical transition at T_x ~ 330 K in the pico-nanosecond regime. It is interpreted as the rotational analogue of the Goldstein crossing temperature between quasi-free diffusion and activated regime predicted in liquids. Below T_x, NMR experimental data are well described by a Frenkel model corresponding to a strongly anisotropic motion. At higher temperatures, a drastic deviation is observed toward quasi-isotropic rotational diffusion. Close to T_x, we observe that two-step relaxations emerge. An interpretation which is based on the present study of a specific heat anomaly detected by a recent calorimetric experiment is proposed.

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F. Affouard, E. Cochin, R. Decressain, M. Descamps. 2000-05-30. Experimental and numerical signatures of dynamical crossover in orientationally disordered crystals. https://doi.org/10.1209/epl%2Fi2001-00196-9

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