Maximum-energy records in glassy energy landscapes

Abstract

We study the evolution of the maximum energy $E_\max(t)$ reached between time $0$ and time $t$ in the dynamics of simple models with glassy energy landscapes, in instant quenches from infinite temperature to a target temperature $T$. Through a detailed description of the activated dynamics, we are able to describe the evolution of $E_\max(t)$ from short times, through the aging regime, until after equilibrium is reached, thus providing a detailed description of the long-time dynamics. Finally, we compare our findings with numerical simulations of the $p$-spin glass and show how the maximum energy record can be used to identify the threshold energy in this model.

22 pages, 5 figures; revised presentation