DIFFUSE INTERFACE MODEL OF NUCLEATION

A diffuse interface theory of nucleation proposed recently for vapor c ondensation and crystal nucleation is compared with experiments and fi eld-theoretical models of nucleation. Without adjustable parameters th e theory gives an improved description of condensation experiments on non-polar and weakly polar substances. Cluster dynamics calculations a re performed for homogeneous and heterogeneous crystal nucleation. Exp eriments on homogeneously nucleating oxide glasses indicate that a tem perature-independent interface thickness is a reasonable assumption fo r even deep undercooling. This offers a unique possibility for disting uishing homogeneous and bulk heterogeneous nucleation processes.