Multispeckle diffusing-wave spectroscopy with a single-mode detection scheme

Abstract

We present a detection scheme for diffusing-wave spectroscopy (DWS) based on a two-cell geometry that allows efficient ensemble averaging. This is achieved by putting a fast rotating diffuser in the optical path between laser and sample. We show that the recorded (multispeckle) correlation echoes provide an ensemble averaged signal that does not require additional time averaging. Furthermore, combined with traditional two-cell DWS, the full intensity autocorrelation function can be measured with a single experimental setup. The scheme provides access to a large range of correlation times thus opening an experimental window for the study of slowly relaxing and arrested systems, such as viscoelastic complex fluids, colloidal glasses, and gels.