In this paper, we investigate the crossing statistics of speckle patterns
formed in Fresnel diffraction region by a laser beam scattering through a
nanofluid. We extend zero−crossing statistics to assess dynamical properties
of nanofluid. According to joint probability density function of laser beam
fluctuation and its time derivative, theoretical framework for Gaussian and
non-Gaussian regimes are revisited. We count number of crossings not only at
{\it zero} level but also for all available thresholds to determine the average
speed of moving particles. Using probabilistic framework in determining
crossing statistics, {\it a priori} Gaussianity is not essentially considered,
therefore even in presence of deviation from Gaussian fluctuation, this
modified approach is capable to compute relevant quantities such as mean value
of speed more precisely. Generalized total crossing which represents the
weighted summation of crossings for all thresholds to quantify small deviation
from Gaussian statistics is introduced. This criterion can also manipulate the
contribution of noises and trends to infer reliable physical quantities. The
characteristic time scale for having successive crossings at a given threshold
is defined. In our experimental setup, we find that increasing sample
temperature leads to more consistency between Gaussian and perturbative
non-Gaussian predictions. The maximum number of crossing does not necessarily
occur at mean level indicating that we should take into account other levels in
addition to {\it zero} level to achieve more accurate assessments.Comment: 12 pages, 7 figures, 2 tables. Matched to accepted versio