Viscoelasticity of 2D liquids quantified in a dusty plasma experiment

Abstract

The viscoelasticity of two-dimensional liquids is quantified in an experiment using a dusty plasma. An experimental method is demonstrated for measuring the wavenumber-dependent viscosity, $η(k)$, which is a quantitative indicator of viscoelasticity. Using an expression generalized here to include friction, $η(k)$ is computed from the transverse current autocorrelation function (TCAF), which is found by tracking random particle motion. The TCAF exhibits an oscillation that is a signature of elastic contributions to viscoelasticity. Simulations of a Yukawa liquid are consistent with the experiment.

5 pages text, 3 figures, 1 supplementary material, in press Physical Review Letters 2010