Direct measurement of a distinct correlation function by fluorescence cross correlation

Abstract

A new experimental technique, fluorescence cross correlation, is proposed to directly measure correlations in motion of pairs of interacting particles. The theoretical basis of the technique is worked out, taking into account, in addition, nonideal features of the experiment. Preliminary experimental results are obtained on latex suspensions. They demonstrate the possibility of measuring not only a distinct correlation function but also the corresponding self-contribution as well as a collective correlation function of the suspension simultaneously in one experiment.