The intermediate scattering function for lipid bilayer membranes: From nanometers to microns

A numerical scheme based upon established hydrodynamic and elastic considerations is introduced and used to predict the intermediate scattering function for lipid bilayer membranes. The predictions span multiple wavelength regimes, including those studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS; microns) and neutron spin-echo (NSE) spectroscopy (10-100 nm). The results validate a recent theory specific to the NSE regime and expose slight inaccuracies associated with the theoretical results available in the DLS regime. The assumptions that underlie both our numerical methods and the related theoretical predictions are reviewed in detail to explain when certain results can be applied to experiment and where caution must be exercised. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3657857]