ISSN:
1434-6036
Keywords:
PACS. 61.41.+e Polymers, elastomers, and plastics - 64.70.Pf Glass transitions
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract: We consider a model of two (fully) compact polymer chains, coupled through an attractive interaction. These compact chains are represented by Hamiltonian paths (HP), and the coupling favors the existence of common bonds between the chains. We use a (n=0 component) spin representation for these paths, and we evaluate the resulting partition function within a homogeneous saddle point approximation. For strong coupling (i.e. at low temperature), one finds a phase transition towards a “frozen” phase where one chain is completely adsorbed onto the other. By performing a Legendre transform, we obtain the probability distribution of overlaps. The fraction of common bonds between two HP, i.e. their overlap q, has both lower ( ) and upper ( ) bounds. This means in particular that two HP with overlap greater than coincide. These results may be of interest in (bio)polymers and in optimization problems.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s100510050957
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