Neutron scattering is a unique technique to characterize structural and dynamic properties of matter. Particularly important is the potential, playing with isotopic labelling, of accessing different correlation functions (collective, self) or ‘isolating’ the signal of a given component or molecular group in a complex system. However, the coexistence of coherent and incoherent contributions to...
Although the influence of nuclear quantum effects (NQE) in the properties of liquid water is well-known, the magnitude of their effects depends strongly on the specific conditions and property considered. It has been suggested that this could be due to competing quantum effects, where proton delocalization in the direction of the H-bond would reinforce it, while delocalization in other...
Polarized neutron time-of-flight spectroscopy permits to access quasi-elastic scattering informing on picosecond time-scale diffusion. We have employed this method using LET at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source to access the molecular structural dynamics in water-ethanol mixtures [1]. We also investigate the effect of a supramolecular gelator and of a paracetamol (PCM) drug added to these...
State-of-the-art experimental techniques such as small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and neutron spin echo (NSE) spectroscopy provide valuable insights into the unique structural characteristics and segmental and diffusion dynamics of polymers in their molten state. However, there are often cases where analysing experimental findings with such methods is challenging. We mention for example...
The structure and dynamics of the ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIMAc) with small amounts of water in nanoporous glass are measured and compared to the bulk liquid. With X-ray diffraction the domain structure was determined, while neutron spin echo spectroscopy/neutron backscattering were employed to measure the dynamics. The experimental challenge is to separate...
Protein dynamics play a vital role in biology. Quasi elastic neutron scattering is an ideal method to access these dynamics. Normally data analysis is performed based on the assumption that the scattering spectrum is incoherent. In order to be observe the full range of protein dynamics it is necessary to perform the experiments in solution. This solution is usually a fully deuterated buffer,...
Lipid molecules are basic building blocks for biological membranes, which are highly dynamic and provide a platform for various biological functions. From a materials point of view, these membranes are a visco-elastic entity. Viscosity of membranes regulates the transport of lipids and proteins in the membrane which determine the time necessary to maintain the functions. Chemically distinct...
