Low field theory of polymer transient electric birefringence

Using the Rouse/Zimm model for polymers, we have derived the low field dynamics for a flexible polymer in transient electric birefringence (TEB). Three orientation mechanisms were included; a permanent dipole from fixed charges, a local induced dipole dependent on the local conformation, and a global induced dipole dependent on the global conformation. The rise, decay, and reverse pulse behavior have been determined for all three, independently and combined. The condensed ion theory of Manning has been used to describe the global orientation mechanism of DNA. We find good agreement for the steady state birefringence and the predictions from theory with no adjustable parameters.