Quantum mechanics

Soft modes

Theoretical physics

Colloid

Engineering

Philosophy

Metallurgy

Materials science

Soft matter

Mode coupling

Nuclear magnetic resonance

Coupling (piping)

Operating system

Economics

Computer science

Ferroelectricity

Statistical physics

Slowdown

Physical chemistry

Polymer

Mechanical engineering

Physics

Nanotechnology

Dielectric

Optics

Glass transition

Epistemology

Phenomenology (philosophy)

Chemistry

Economic growth

Mode (computer interface)

Engineering physics

Frontiers in Physics

Understanding the physics of glass formation remains one of the major unsolved challenges of condensed matter science. As a material solidifies into a glass, it exhibits a spectacular slowdown of the dynamics upon cooling or compression, but at the same time undergoes only minute structural changes. Among the numerous theories put forward to rationalize this complex behavior, Mode-Coupling Theory (MCT) stands out as a unique framework that provides a fully first-principles-based description of glass phenomenology. This review outlines the key physical ingredients of MCT, its predictions, successes, and failures, as well as recent improvements of the theory. We also discuss the extension and application of MCT to the emerging field of non-equilibrium active soft matter.

Mode-Coupling Theory of the Glass Transition: A Primer