Field-theoretic polymer simulations

A method is presented for numerically sampling functional integrals in field theory models of polymer solutions and melts. The approach effectively relaxes the mean-field approximation in self-consistent field theories of equilibrium polymer phases. Viewed from another perspective, the method provides an alternative to conventional particle-based simulations of coarse-grained models of polymers. We demonstrate the technique by applying it to examine fluctuation effects on the order-disorder transition in symmetric diblock copolymer melts. Extensions to more complex polymer blends, copolymers, and solutions are outlined.