Topological differences in a model series of wormlike micelles (WLMs) with varying degrees of branching are investigated via neutron spin echo (NSE) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Branching was previously verified via microscopy, scattering methods, and rheology. NSE measurements reveal that on the shortest length scales, where WLMs are topologically similar, the dynamic behavior is independent of branching level. However, branching leads to deviations from wormlike chain behavior on length scales relevant to branching. These differences continue into the DLS regime, where two relaxation modes are observed. While measuring micellar branching is challenging, our measurements of segmental dynamics provide a direct dynamic measurement of WLM branching and demonstrate promise for future identification of topological changes in self-assembled materials.

中文翻译：

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通过动态散射方法检测蠕虫状胶束中的分支

通过中子自旋回波 (NSE) 和动态光散射 (DLS) 研究了具有不同分支程度的蠕虫状胶束 (WLM) 模型系列中的拓扑差异。之前通过显微镜、散射方法和流变学验证了分支。NSE 测量表明，在 WLM 拓扑相似的最短长度尺度上，动态行为与分支水平无关。然而，分支导致与分支相关的长度尺度上的蠕虫状链行为的偏差。这些差异持续到 DLS 方案，其中观察到两种弛豫模式。虽然测量胶束支化具有挑战性，但