Replica Theory without tears
Condensed Matter lunchtime seminar
Replica Theory without tears
- Event time: 1:00pm
- Event date: 30th April 2001
- Speaker: Professor Martin Evans (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
- Location: Room 2511, James Clerk Maxwell Building (JCMB) James Clerk Maxwell Building Peter Guthrie Tait Road Edinburgh EH9 3FD GB
Event details
The Replica method is often employed to analyse physical systems where
disorder is present, for example 'spin glasses'. The mathematical aspects
of the theory were developed in the late seventies and early eighties.
From the theory emerged a physical picture of complex energy landscapes in
terms of a valley structure. This picture appears valid today in the
description of (ordinary) glasses.
In this talk I will try to explain the ideas of and physical picture of replica theory without getting into the technicalities that often obscure what's going on.
About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars
This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..