Diffusion-limited loop formation of semiflexible polymers: Kramers theory and the intertwined time scales of chain relaxation and closing

TL;DR

This paper applies Kramers rate theory to accurately estimate the closing time of semiflexible polymers, revealing the relationship between chain relaxation and closing times, and resolving conflicts in flexible limits.

Contribution

It demonstrates the effectiveness of Kramers theory for predicting polymer closing times and clarifies the interplay of different time scales in semiflexible polymers.

Findings

Kramers rate theory provides accurate estimates of polymer closing times.

The study elucidates the relationship between chain relaxation and closing time scales.

It resolves discrepancies in calculating closing times in flexible polymer limits.

Abstract

We show that Kramers rate theory gives a straightforward, accurate estimate of the closing time $\tau_c$ of a semiflexible polymer that is valid in cases of physical interest. The calculation also reveals how the time scales of chain relaxation and closing are intertwined, illuminating an apparent conflict between two ways of calculating $\tau_c$ in the flexible limit.