arXiv subjects

Aaron Santos

Publications and source records attributed to Aaron Santos.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

A Toy Model of Quantum Measurement with Experimentally Falsifiable Predictions

I describe a toy model of quantum measurement in which wave function collapse is described as a stochastic entropically-driven event guided by interactions between a measured two-state particle and an Ising-like measurement device. The model reproduces existing experimental results and suggests new calorimetric experiments that can be used to test hidden variables theories. When applied to entangled particles, the model predicts energy cannot be transferred faster than the speed of light, but that certain schemas would allow for nonlocal information transfer.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2016

Thermodynamics of a Simple Three-Dimensional DNA Hairpin Model

We characterize the equation of state for a simple three-dimensional DNA hairpin model using a Metropolis Monte Carlo algorithm. This algorithm was run at constant temperature and fixed separation between the terminal ends of the strand. From the equation of state, we compute the compressibility, thermal expansion coefficient, and specific heat along with adiabatic path.

physics.bio-ph↗

arXiv2013

Kinetic Pathways of the DNA Melting Transition

We investigate kinetic pathways of the DNA melting transition using variable-range versions of the Poland-Scheraga (PS) and Peyrard-Dauxois-Bishop (PDB) models of DNA. In the PS model, we construct a phi^4-field theory to calculate the critical droplet profile, the initial growth modes, and the exponent characterizing the divergence of the susceptibility near the spinodal. In the PDB model, we use a mean field analysis to calculate susceptibility exponent. We compare these theoretical results with Monte Carlo and Brownian dynamic simulations on the PS and PDB models, respectively. We find that by increasing the range of interaction, the system can be brought close to a pseudospinodal, and that in this region the nucleating droplet is diffuse in contrast to the compact droplets predicted by classical nucleation theory.

physics.bio-ph↗

arXiv2011

Facetted patchy particles through entropy-driven patterning of mixed ligand SAMS

We present a microscopic theory that describes the ordering of two distinct ligands on the surface of a faceted nanoparticle. The theory predicts that when one type of ligand is significantly bulkier than all others, the larger ligands preferentially align themselves along the edges and vertices of the nanoparticle. Monte Carlo simulations confirm these predictions. We show that the intrinsic conformational entropy of the ligands stabilizes this novel edge-aligned phase.

physics.comp-ph↗

arXiv2006

Kinetics of the Melting Transition in DNA

We investigate the kinetics of the DNA melting transition using modified versions of the Peyrard-Dauxois-Bishop and Poland-Scheraga models that include long and short range interactions. Using Brownian dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations, we observe metastable states prior to nucleation and demonstrate that the profile and growth modes of the critical droplet can have both classical and spinodal characteristics depending on the interaction range and the temperature quench depth.

cond-mat.other↗