Gamma-gamma directional correlation study of model membranes.

Measurements of the perturbed gamma-gamma directional correlation were made for the 173-247 keV cascade in 111Cd at the In ion site in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes. A time-dependent electric quadrupole interaction was observed. Below the order in equilibrium fluid phase transition temperature the exponential damping coefficient was lambda 2 = 0.033 +/- 0.007 ns-1. Above the transition temperature the coefficient was lambda 2 = 0.015 +/- 0.006 ns-1 indicating a twofold increase in molecular mobility in the disordered phase. Absolute values for the motional correlation time, tau c, were estimated to be on the order of a few nanoseconds. The presence of cholesterol was found to cause no significant difference in the molecular mobility of the phosphatidylcholine head groups in the ordered and fluid states.