O(N) Generalized nonlinear sigma model and its applications

Abstract

In this work the results of an interdisciplinary research between field theory and statistical mechanics will be presented. It is shown that the dynamics of an inextensible chain is described by a slight generalization of the O(d) nonlinear sigma model. It is checked, that in the large time limit the correct equilibrium distribution is reached. Our approach is based on path integrals, but it may be also connected to the usual description of the dynamics of a chain as a diffusion stochastic process. Some applications of our results will be discussed, like for instance the calculation of the average distance between two polymer segments.