Properties of a Continuous-Random-Network Model for Amorphous Systems

We use a Monte Carlo bond-switching method to study systematically the thermodynamic properties of a “continuous random network” model, the canonical model for such amorphous systems as $a$-Si and $a-{\mathrm{SiO}}_2$. Simulations show first-order “melting” into an amorphous state, and clear evidence for a glass transition in the supercooled liquid. The random-network model is also extended to study heterogeneous structures, such as the interface between amorphous and crystalline Si.