Active Nonlinear Microrheology in a Glass-Forming Yukawa Fluid

A molecular dynamics computer simulation of a glass-forming Yukawa mixture is used to study the anisotropic dynamics of a single particle pulled by a constant force. Beyond linear response, a scaling regime is found where a force-temperature superposition principle of a Peclet number holds. In the latter regime, the diffusion dynamics perpendicular to the force can be mapped on the equilibrium dynamics in terms of an effective temperature, whereas parallel to the force a superdiffusive behavior is seen in the long-time limit. This behavior is associated with a hopping motion from cage to cage and can be qualitatively understood by a simple trap model.