How to Calculate Correlation Functions and Persistence Length in a 1D Polymer?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating correlation functions and persistence length in a one-dimensional polymer model. The problem involves defining the energy based on the angles between segments and computing the correlation function as well as the end-to-end distance S(N) in relation to temperature and the number of links N.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formulation of the Hamiltonian and its implications for calculating the partition function. There is an exploration of the relationship between the Hamiltonian and the correlation function, with attempts to derive expressions for .

Discussion Status

Some participants have proposed a Hamiltonian and derived expressions for the correlation function, while others express uncertainty about the correctness of their results. There is an ongoing exploration of how to calculate the end-to-end distance S(N), with multiple participants seeking clarification on this aspect.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of a clear Hamiltonian initially and question the assumptions made in deriving the correlation function. There is also mention of the need to relate the correlation function to the end-to-end distance, indicating a complex interplay of concepts in statistical mechanics.

WarnK
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Homework Statement


1D polymer, fixed segment length a
If the angle between segment j and j+1 is 0, the energy is 0
If the angle is pi the energy is +2J.

Compute the correlation function <s_i s_{i+n}>, where s_j = \pm 1 denotes the direction of segment j

Find the persistence length Lp, defined through
<s_i s_{i+n}> = e^{-|n|a/Lp}

Find an expression for the end-to-end distance S(N) = <(x_N - x_0)^2>^{1/2} as a function of temperature and the number of links N

Homework Equations


?


The Attempt at a Solution


<s_i s_{i+n}> = \frac{ Tr s_i s_{i+n} e^{-\beta H} }{ Tr e^{-\beta H} }

But I don't know any hamiltonian? Or even what sort of trace to do.
The problem sort of reminds me of the 'XY'-modell for spins on a 1d lattice, but I don't really understand how to make any use of that.
 
Last edited:
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WarnK said:

Homework Statement


1D polymer, fixed segment length a
If the angle between segment j and j+1 is 0, the energy is 0
If the angle is pi the energy is +2J.

Compute the correlation function <s_i s_{i+n}>, where s_j = \pm 1 denotes the direction of segment j

Find the persistence length Lp, defined through
<s_i s_{i+n}> = e^{-|n|a/Lp}

Find an expression for the end-to-end distance S(N) = <(x_N - x_0)^2>^{1/2} as a function of temperature and the number of links N

Homework Equations


?


The Attempt at a Solution


<s_i s_{i+n}> = \frac{ Tr s_i s_{i+n} e^{-\beta H} }{ Tr e^{-\beta H} }

But I don't know any hamiltonian? Or even what sort of trace to do.
The problem sort of reminds me of the 'XY'-modell for spins on a 1d lattice, but I don't really understand how to make any use of that.

You can write down a Hamiltonian.
It will be the sum of the energy of all the adjacent pairs, taking into account the rule they give. You want an expression that gives zero when s_j = s_{j+1} and which gives 2J when s_j = -s_{j+1}. This is simply J(1-s_j s_{j+1}).
 
So, starting with a Hamiltonian like
H = J \sum_{j=1}^{N-1} (1-s_j s_{j+1})
and proceeding to calculate the partition function much the same way as for the 1d ising chain,
Z = Tr e^{-\beta H} = \dots = 2 e^{-\beta J (N-1)} [2 cosh(\beta J)]^{N-1}
then noteing I can write
<s_j s_{j+n}> = \frac{1}{Z \beta^n} \frac{d^n Z}{d J^n}
I end up with
<s_j s_{j+n}> = tanh(\beta J)^n
is this really right? feels like I missed something

thanks for the help!
 
Last edited:
WarnK said:
So, starting with a Hamiltonian like
H = J \sum_{j=1}^{N-1} (1-s_j s_{j+1})
and proceeding to calculate the partition function much the same way as for the 1d ising chain,
Z = Tr e^{-\beta H} = \dots = 2 e^{-\beta J (N-1)} [2 cosh(\beta J)]^{N-1}
then noteing I can write
<s_j s_{j+n}> = \frac{1}{Z \beta^n} \frac{d^n Z}{d J^n}
I end up with
<s_j s_{j+n}> = tanh(\beta J)^n
is this really right? feels like I missed something

thanks for the help!

the last equation should be (tanh(\beta J))^n
 
physics0 said:
the last equation should be (tanh(\beta J))^n

how can we calculate $$S^2(N) = <(x_N-x_0)^2>$$ in above case?
 
How one can calculate

S(N)2 = <(xN-x0)2>

thanx
 

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