Dynamic light scattering measurements in the activated regime of dense colloidal hard spheres

Details Dynamic light scattering measurements in the activated regime of dense colloidal hard spheres Dynamic light scattering measurements in the activated regime of dense colloidal hard spheres

2009-03-11

arxiv.org/abs/0903.1933v1

J. Stat. Mech. P07015 (2009)

Physics

Condensed Matter

Soft Condensed Matter

16 pages; 12 figures

Scientific paper

10.1088/1742-5468/2009/07/P07015

We use dynamic light scattering and numerical simulations to study the approach to equilibrium and the equilibrium dynamics of systems of colloidal hard spheres over a broad range of density, from dilute systems up to very concentrated suspensions undergoing glassy dynamics. We discuss several experimental issues (sedimentation, thermal control, non-equilibrium aging effects, dynamic heterogeneity) arising when very large relaxation times are measured. When analyzed over more than seven decades in time, we find that the equilibrium relaxation time, tau_alpha, of our system is described by the algebraic divergence predicted by mode-coupling theory over a window of about three decades. At higher density, tau_alpha increases exponentially with distance to a critical volume fraction phi_0 which is much larger than the mode-coupling singularity. This is reminiscent of the behavior of molecular glass-formers in the activated regime. We compare these results to previous work, carefully discussing crystallization and size polydispersity effects. Our results suggest the absence of a genuine algebraic divergence of tau_alpha in colloidal hard spheres.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Dynamic light scattering measurements in the activated regime of dense colloidal hard spheres does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Dynamic light scattering measurements in the activated regime of dense colloidal hard spheres, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dynamic light scattering measurements in the activated regime of dense colloidal hard spheres will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-123651