Influence of non-universal effects on dynamical scaling in driven polymer translocation

TL;DR

This paper investigates how finite chain length effects and pore-polymer interactions influence the non-universal scaling behavior in driven polymer translocation, combining molecular dynamics simulations with a theoretical tension propagation model.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical and numerical analysis highlighting the role of finite size effects and pore interactions in non-universal translocation dynamics.

Findings

Finite chain length effects cause deviations from universal scaling.

Pore-polymer interactions significantly impact translocation behavior.

Theoretical model shows excellent agreement with MD simulations in relevant regimes.

Abstract

We study the dynamics of driven polymer translocation using both molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and a theoretical model based on the non-equilibrium tension propagation on the {\it cis} side subchain. We present theoretical and numerical evidence that the non-universal behavior observed in experiments and simulations are due to finite chain length effects that persist well beyond the relevant experimental and simulation regimes. In particular, we consider the influence of the pore-polymer interactions and show that they give a major contribution to the non-universal effects. In addition, we present comparisons between the theory and MD simulations for several quantities, showing extremely good agreement in the relevant parameter regimes. Finally, we discuss the potential limitations of the present theories.