We report the modifications of the microscopic dynamics of a colloidal glass submitted to shear. We use multispeckle diffusing wave spectroscopy to monitor the evolution of the spontaneous slow relaxation processes after the samples have been submitted to various straining. We show that high shear rejuvenates the system and accelerates its dynamics, whereas moderate shear over-ages the system. We analyze these phenomena within the frame of the Bouchaud’s trap model.

• Received 22 March 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.065701