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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/L89396/01
Title: SPIN-GLASS STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF LIQUID CRYSTALLINE POLYMER NETWORKS
Principal Investigator: Terentjev, Professor E
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Pre Nexus Migration Russian Academy of Sciences
Department: Physics
Organisation: University of Cambridge
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 February 1999 Ends: 31 January 2001 Value (£): 96,149
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Characterisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Electronics
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Random networks with a broken orientational symmetry (L.C. Elastomers) are driven in their behaviour by the random-disorder effects, similar to those in spin glasses. A key difference lies in elastic domain walls, which are topologically stable in LCE and localise under external stress into a network of topological fossil defects. The project will study the transition between a disordered equilibrium state and the monodomain state aligned by external stress or field. Using microscopy, light scattering and WAXS, we shall study the internal structure and correlations and the relaxation dynamics - looking for universal laws and parallels with spin-glass results. Theoretical work, using the concepts of replica symmetry breaking, will be done together with experiment. The project benefits from a developed collaboration with leading international groups in chemical synthesis. The priorities of the programme are fundamental experimental and theoretical results on the ordering of randomly disordered systems by external fields and the relaxation dynamics, hopefully bringing a feedback to the area of spin glasses.A continuous employment of Dr SM Clarke is requested , because his expertise acquired in the currently running project will be vital for the success of the new one.
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Organisation Website: http://www.cam.ac.uk