Theory for the Slowing Down of the Relaxation and Spinodal Decomposition of Binary Mixtures

Abstract

The weak nonexponential relaxation $\ensuremath{\propto}{t}^{\ensuremath{-}{a}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$ recently found in computer experiments on the phase separation of alloys is explained in terms of a cluster reaction and diffusion process. The nonlinear features of this process can be accounted for by a time-dependent diffusion constant. Estimates for the resulting exponents [${a}^{\ensuremath{'}}=\frac{1}{(3+d)}$] are consistent with the computer simulations. The experimental observability of this slowing down is discussed.