Intra-chain correlation functions and shapes of homopolymers with different architectures in dilute solution

We present results of Monte Carlo study of the monomer-monomer correlation functions, static structure factor and asphericity characteristics of a single homopolymer in the coil and globular states for three distinct architectures of the chain: ring, open and star. To rationalise the results we introduce the dimensionless correlation functions rescaled via the corresponding mean-squared distances between monomers. For flexible chains with some architectures these functions exhibit a large degree of universality by falling onto a single or several distinct master curves. In the repulsive regime, where a stretched exponential times a power law form (de Cloizeaux scaling) can be applied, the corresponding exponents $\delta$ and $\theta$ have been obtained. The exponent $\delta=1/\nu$ is found to be universal for flexible strongly repulsive coils and in agreement with the theoretical prediction from improved higher-order Borel-resummed renormalisation group calculations. The short-distance exponents $\theta_{\upsilon}$ of an open flexible chain are in a good agreement with the theoretical predictions in the strongly repulsive regime also. However, increasing the Kuhn length in relation to the monomer size leads to their fast cross-over towards the Gaussian behaviour. Likewise, a strong sensitivity of various exponents $\theta_{ij}$ on the stiffness of the chain, or on the number of arms in star polymers, is observed. The correlation functions in the globular state are found to have a more complicated oscillating behaviour and their degree of universality has been reviewed. Average shapes of the polymers in terms of the asphericity characteristics, as well as the universal behaviour in the static structure factors, have been also investigated.Comment: RevTeX 12 pages, 10 PS figures. Accepted by J. Chem. Phy

The effect of noise on the dynamics of a complex map at the period-tripling accumulation point

As shown recently (O.B.Isaeva et al., Phys.Rev E64, 055201), the phenomena intrinsic to dynamics of complex analytic maps under appropriate conditions may occur in physical systems. We study scaling regularities associated with the effect of additive noise upon the period-tripling bifurcation cascade generalizing the renormalization group approach of Crutchfield et al. (Phys.Rev.Lett., 46, 933) and Shraiman et al. (Phys.Rev.Lett., 46, 935), originally developed for the period doubling transition to chaos in the presence of noise. The universal constant determining the rescaling rule for the intensity of the noise in period-tripling is found to be $\gamma=12.2066409...$ Numerical evidence of the expected scaling is demonstrated.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figure