Dual-beam incoherent cross-correlation spectroscopy

An incoherent dynamic light-scattering technique is developed to measure the local velocity and its statistics. By employing two parallel laser beams of different colors, the technique measures the cross-correlation function of the scattered intensities from two separate illuminating volumes. Because there is no phase coherence between the two laser beams, the measured cross-correlation function is sensitive only to the intensity fluctuations caused by a seed particle that crosses the two beams in succession. The flow velocity is obtained from the measured particle transit time. We frame the scattering theory so as to account for the two-beam scattering geometry. Our experiment verifies the calculation and demonstrates applications of the technique. The method has the unique feature of being able to measure simultaneously the local velocity in two opposite directions perpendicular to the incident laser beams. Its advantages are high spatial resolution and accuracy, fast temporal response, and ease of use. The technique is useful in studies of turbulent flows, sedimentation of heavy particles, and flow phenomena in complex fluids.