Radial distribution function of semiflexible polymers

TL;DR

This paper derives analytical expressions for the end-to-end distance distribution of semiflexible polymers with high bending rigidity, validated by Monte Carlo simulations, aiding experimental interpretation and complex system analysis.

Contribution

It provides new analytical formulas for the distribution function of semiflexible polymers, supported by numerical validation, enhancing understanding of their physical behavior.

Findings

Analytical expressions match Monte Carlo simulations.

Distribution function applicable to DNA and actin.

Supports analysis of polymer networks and solutions.

Abstract

We calculate the distribution function of the end--to--end distance of a semiflexible polymer with large bending rigidity. This quantity is directly observable in experiments on single semiflexible polymers (e.g., DNA, actin) and relevant to their interpretation. It is also an important starting point for analyzing the behavior of more complex systems such as networks and solutions of semiflexible polymers. To estimate the validity of the obtained analytical expressions, we also determine the distribution function numerically using Monte Carlo simulation and find good quantitative agreement.