Generating function methods for macromolecules at surfaces. II. One molecule between two planes

Abstract

The configuration statistics for a macromolecule that is sandwiched between and either repelled or adsorbed by a pair of plane parallel surfaces are developed by means of a generating function technique. The theory is based on our previous work [J. Chem. Phys. 85, 5299 (1986)] on the problem of a single plane; it has the advantages of simplicity and flexibility. The generating functions that are constructed are used to evaluate expectation values for the lengths of loops, bridges, and tails as well as the number of bound segments. The canonical partition function for a molecule of n lattice steps is extracted from the generating function by use of numerical integration. Show more