The viscoelasticity of two-dimensional liquids is quantified in an experiment using a dusty plasma. An experimental method is demonstrated for measuring the wavenumber-dependent viscosity, $\eta(k)$, which is a quantitative indicator of viscoelasticity. Using an expression generalized here to include friction, $\eta(k)$ is computed from the transverse current autocorrelation function (TCAF), which is found by tracking random particle motion. The TCAF exhibits an oscillation that is a signature of elastic contributions to viscoelasticity. Simulations of a Yukawa liquid are consistent with the experiment.
Categories: cond-mat.soft