Stochastic dynamics in molten potassium explored by polarized quasielastic neutron scattering

The coherent Sc Q , and single-particle Ss Q , dynamic structure factors which contribute to the lowenergy spectrum of molten potassium are separated by means of neutron polarization analysis. The linewidth and amplitude of the single-particle spectra follow an apparent sub-Fickian behavior, with a diffusion coefficient below the value found by macroscopic means. Once this is accounted for, the results are found to conform with predictions made from kinetic theory. Also, the available theoretical recipes to account for the coherent quasielastic intensity are seen to reproduce the experimental observations within a region of momentum transfers located about the location where the static structure factor shows its main peak. From the measured data as well as from computer simulation results which are validated by comparison to measurement, a clear separation of time scales involving rapid rattling motions within the liquid cages from diffusional processes involving collective or single-particle rearrangements is established.