Cooperative motion in equilibrium phases across two-dimension melting in pure and disordered systems

Abstract

We uncover the dynamics of particles with Gaussian core interactions across melting in pure and disordered two-dimensional (2D) systems. Intriguing signatures of cooperative motion of particles in string-like paths are found at low temperatures. Such a motion, while common to glasses and supercooled liquids, are realized here in traditional equilibrium phases, including in pure systems. We explore the interplay of such motion and impurities and report their repercussions on spatiotemporal correlations. In particular, cooperative motion seems to cause a departure from the diffusive dynamics, causing slow relaxation.