Poly(<scp>L</scp>‐alanine): Specific heat measurements at low temperatures (1.8–20°K) and one‐dimensionality

Abstract

Abstract Low‐temperature specific heat measurements have been made on random poly( L ‐alanine) (Pilot). The effective one‐dimensional (intra‐molecular polymeric) Debye temperature is 323°K, and the corresponding three‐dimensional temperature is 54°K. An anomaly, similar to that seen in polyethylene and other high polymers, is observed. The method will be a useful tool for the study of low‐frequency vibrations in polypeptides.