Neutron Scattering and Soft Matter (JCNS-1)

By combining dynamic light scattering, NMR and neutron spin echo, we are able to analyse the dynamic processes of proteins, polymers and polyelectrolytes both inter- and intramolecularly.

We study the hierarchical self-assembly of individual molecules into aggregates, as well as the (quasi-)crystalline structures that form from them, using imaging techniques, scattering methods and molecular dynamic simulations.

In collaboration with INM-1 and IBI-7, we examine thin brain slices using SAXS tensor tomography to determine the orientation and distribution of nerve fibres in the micrometre range and their structure on the nanometre scale.

We study the nucleation and growth of nanoparticles in order to synthesise them with specific properties in terms of shape, size and function.

The combination of in-house polymer synthesis and many years of expertise in the field of soft materials is essential in the development of new materials. Shown here is a hydrogel (90% water) that can be stretched by a factor of 70 without tearing and returns to its original shape.

Each year, the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany, organizes a two-week laboratory course in neutron scattering in cooperation with RWTH Aachen University.

By combining dynamic light scattering, NMR and neutron spin echo, we are able to analyse the dynamic processes of proteins, polymers and polyelectrolytes both inter- and intramolecularly.