Prof. David Sherrington FRS

Abstract:

Half a century ago, two theoretical papers were published that together sparked major new directions — conceptual, mathematical and practically applicable — in several previously disparate fields of science. In this Comment, the authors of one of those papers expose key aspects of the thinking behind them, their implementations and implications, along with sketches of several subsequent and consequential developments.

Abstract:

Comparisons and analogies are drawn between materials ferroic glasses and conventional spin glasses, in terms of both experiment and theoretical modelling, with inter-system conceptual transfers leading to suggestions of further issues to investigate.

Abstract:

As well as several different kinds of periodically ordered ferroic phases, there are now recognized several different examples of ferroic glassiness, although not always described as such and in material fields of study that have mostly been developed separately. In this chapter an attempt is made to indicate common concep- tual origins and features, observed or anticipated. Throughout, this aim is pursued through the use of simple models, in an attempt to determine probable fundamental origins within a larger picture of greater complication, and analogies between sys- tems in different areas, both experimental and theoretical, in the light of significant progress in spin glass understanding.