An optical fiber based interferometer to measure velocity profiles in sheared complex fluids

We describe an optical fiber based interferometer to measure velocity profiles in sheared complex fluids using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). After a review of the theoretical problem of DLS under shear, a detailed description of the setup is given. We outline the various experimental difficulties induced by refraction when using a Couette cell. We also show that homodyne DLS is not well suited to measure quantitative velocity profiles in narrow-gap Couette geometries. On the other hand, the heterodyne technique allows us to determine the velocity field inside the gap of a Couette cell. All the technical features of the setup, namely its spatial resolution (≈ 50–100 μm) and its temporal resolution (≈ 1 s per point, ≈ 1 min per profile) are discussed, as well as the calibration procedure with a Newtonian fluid. As briefly shown on oil-in-water emulsions, such a setup permits one to record both velocity profiles and rheological data simultaneously. PACS. 83.85.Ei Optical methods; rheo-optics – 42.25.Fx Diffraction and scattering – 83.85.Cg Rheological measurements; rheometry