Inelastic x-ray scattering (IXS) measurements of the dynamic structure factor in liquid Na57K43, sensitive to the atomic-scale coarse graining, reveal a sound velocity value exceeding the long wavelength, continuum value and indicate the coexistence
of two phonon-like modes. Applying Generalized Collective Mode (GCM) analysis scheme, we show that the positive dispersion of the sound velocity occurs in a wavelength region below the crossover from hydrodynamic to atom-type excitations and, therefore, it can not be explained as sound propagation over the light specie (Na) network. The present result experimentally proves the existence of positive dispersion in a binary mixture due to a relaxation process, as opposed to fast sound phenomena.
Developing a novel experimental technique, we applied photon correlation spectroscopy using infrared radiation in liquid Sulphur around $T_lambda$, i.e. in the temperature range where an abrupt increase in viscosity by four orders of magnitude is obs
erved upon heating within few degrees. This allowed us - overcoming photo-induced and absorption effects at visible wavelengths - to reveal a chain relaxation process with characteristic time in the ms range. These results do rehabilitate the validity of the Maxwell relation in Sulphur from an apparent failure, allowing rationalizing the mechanical and thermodynamic behavior of this system within a viscoelastic scenario.
