title: In complex fluids the Gaussian Diffusion Approximation is generally invalid.
abstract: The Gaussian Diffusion Approximation proposes that the distribution of displacements Δx for a particle diffusing through a complex fluid has a Gaussian dependence on Δx. We demonstrate from experimental evidence and computer simulations that this approximation is generally incorrect in complex fluids. As a result, experimental studies that have used the Gaussian Diffusion Approximation to interpret their findings will need to be reconsidered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA. phillies@wpi.edu.
authors.forename: George David Joseph
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Phillies