Exploring the Origin of Fragile-to-Strong Transition in Some Glass-Forming Liquids

The slow dynamics of glass-forming liquids is a complex subject of the condensed matter science. But the fragile-to-strong transition, which was observed not long ago [Ito, et al, Nature 1999], makes this subject even more complex since it is extremely challenging to directly probe the structural, topological and thermodynamic changes causing this transition. The theory for describing the transition has not been fully established. In this paper, we summarize our current understanding of the fragile-to-strong transition in some glass-forming liquids basedon our two published papers and recent unpublished results. At the same timewe point out major challenges and perspectives for clarifying both the originand consequences of the fragile-to-strong transition.