Equilibrium and nonequilibrium fluctuations at the interface between two fluid phases
We have performed small-angle light-scattering measurements of the static structure factor of a critical binary mixture undergoing diffusive partial remixing. An uncommon scattering geometry integrates the structure factor over the sample thickness, allowing different regions of the concentration profile to be probed simultaneously. Our experiment shows the existence of interface capillary waves throughout the macroscopic evolution to an equilibrium interface, and allows us to derive the time evolution of surface tension. Interfacial properties are shown to attain their equilibrium values quickly compared to the system's macroscopic equilibration time.
Cicuta
P
Dipartimento di Fisica and Istituto Nazionale per la Fisica della Materia, Universita di Milano, via Celoria 16, 20133 Milano, Italy.
Vailati
A
Giglio
M