We study Monte Carlo dynamics of the monomers and center of mass of a model polymer chain functionalized with azobenzene molecules in the presence of an inhomogeneous linearly polarized laser light. The simulations use a generalized Bond Fluctuation Model. The mean squared displacements of the monomers and the center of mass are analyzed in a period of Monte Carlo time typical for a build-up of Surface Relief Grating.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSelf-organized pattern formation is vital for many biological processes. Reaction-diffusion models have advanced our understanding of how biological systems develop spatial structures, starting from homogeneity. However, biological processes inherently involve multiple spatial and temporal scales and transition from one pattern to another over time, rather than progressing from homogeneity to a pattern.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe report the results of the characterization of local Monte Carlo (MC) dynamics of an equilibrium bond fluctuation model polymer matrix (BFM), in time interval typical for MC simulations of non-linear optical phenomena in host-guest systems. The study contributes to the physical picture of the dynamical aspects of characterized previously in the static regime. The polymer dynamics was studied at three temperatures (below, above and close to the glass transition), using time-dependent generalization of the static parameters which characterize local free volume and local mobility of the matrix.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSelf-organisation of Min proteins is responsible for the spatial control of cell division in Escherichia coli, and has been studied both in vivo and in vitro. Intriguingly, the protein patterns observed in these settings differ qualitatively and quantitatively. This puzzling dichotomy has not been resolved to date.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe review the results of Monte Carlo studies of chosen nonlinear optical effects in host-guest systems, using methods based on the bond-fluctuation model (BFM) for a polymer matrix. In particular, we simulate the inscription of various types of diffraction gratings in degenerate two wave mixing (DTWM) experiments (surface relief gratings (SRG), gratings in polymers doped with azo-dye molecules and gratings in biopolymers), poling effects (electric field poling of dipolar molecules and all-optical poling) and photomechanical effect. All these processes are characterized in terms of parameters measured in experiments, such as diffraction efficiency, nonlinear susceptibilities, density profiles or loading parameters.
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