Dynamic light scattering at low rates of shear

Abstract

Dynamic light scattering as a probe of fluctuations for systems undergoing steady linear shear is examined. Several approximations are made to calculate the intensity correlation function for a dense system of independent particles or fluctuations at low rates of shear. In this limit the intensity correlation function is similar in structure to the equilibrium intensity correlation function ; however, the signal to background factor becomes correlation time dependent. The result is tested experimentally by measuring the intensity correlation function for a dilute solution of Brownian particles undergoing shear. The feasibility of using dynamic light scattering as a probe of fluctuations in sheared systems is discussed