Lamplighter model of a random copolymer adsorption on a line

• Main Authors: L.I. Nazarov, S.K. Nechaev, M.V. Tamm
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Institute for Condensed Matter Physics 2014-09-01
• Series: Condensed Matter Physics
• Subjects: local optimization; heteropolymer folding; lamplighter random walk; subdiffusive chemical reaction
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.5488/CMP.17.33002

We present a model of an AB-diblock random copolymer sequential self-packaging with local quenched interactions on a one-dimensional infinite sticky substrate. It is assumed that the A-A and B-B contacts are favorable, while A-B are not. The position of a newly added monomer is selected in view of the local contact energy minimization. The model demonstrates a self-organization behavior with the nontrivial dependence of the total energy, E (the number of unfavorable contacts), on the number of chain monomers, N: E ~ N^^3/4 for quenched random equally probable distribution of A- and B-monomers along the chain. The model is treated by mapping it onto the "lamplighter" random walk and the diffusion-controlled chemical reaction of X+X → 0 type with the subdiffusive motion of reagents.