Non-Debye and non-Arrhenius primary response of liquids, glasses, polymers and crystals

A model is described which provides a physical explanation for the primary response of condensed matter. The key feature which distinguishes the model is that it applies to the relaxation of localized normal modes (phonons, magnons, polaritons, etc.), not viscous diffusion or barrier hopping. Mathematical approximations to the model reproduce several previously used empirical formulas, including the Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts, Curie-von-Schweidler, Havriliak-Negami and Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher laws; but the model provides generally better agreement with observed behavior. Data of sufficient quality and range allow quantitative confirmation of all assumptions of the model. Using the model, dynamical response measurements become a unique tool for investigating elementary excitations in condensed matter. Applications include: determining the dimensionality of mesoscopic interactions, and distinguishing a liquid from a glass.