Relating activation of shear transformation zones to $\ensuremath{\beta}$ relaxations in metallic glasses

Rapid Communication

Relating activation of shear transformation zones to $β$ relaxations in metallic glasses

H. B. Yu, W. H. Wang, H. Y. Bai, Y. Wu, and M. W. Chen

Phys. Rev. B 81, 220201(R) – Published 7 June 2010

Abstract

The mechanisms of plastic deformation of glassy solids and structural origin of $β$ relaxation are two fundamental issues. We provide compelling experimental evidence that the activation of shear transformation zones (STZs) and $β$ relaxations in metallic glasses are directly related, and the activation energy of the $β$ relaxation and the potential-energy barriers of STZs are nearly equivalent. Our results suggest an intrinsic correlation among potential STZs, $β$ relaxation, and the inhomogeneous atomic structure of metallic glasses, which has implications for understanding the deformation mechanism and structural origin of $β$ relaxation in glasses.