Spectroscopy simulation and scattering, and the medium range order problem in glass

Consideration is given to phenomena which we believe to be controlled by the fluctuations in the poorly understood intermediate range order in liquids and glasses. These include structural relaxation, crystal nucleation and incipient liquid-liquid phase separation. Techniques which show promise for investigating the intermediate range order are considered, and predictable or conceivable developments in these techniques which may, by the year 2004 (N.J. Kreidl's 100th), greatly increase or even revolutionize our knowledge of the intermediate range order, are discussed. These include difference spectroscopy, difference scattering, and computer simulation techniques. Finally, we consider possible developments in system preparation or system manipulation techniques which may lead to new insights into relations between physical properties and intermediate range order. An example of special interest is the preparation of noncommunicating microsystems of the same size as the clusters which many believe are the building blocks of the glassy state.