We study voltage driven translocation of a single stranded DNA through a membrane channel. Our model, based on a master equation approach, investigates the probability density function of the translocation times, and shows that it can be either double peaked or mono peaked, depending on the system parameters. We show that the most probable translocation time is proportional to the polymer length, and inversely proportional to the first or second power of the voltage, depending on the initial conditions. The model recovers experimental observations on hetropolymers when using their properties inside the pore, such as stiffness and polymer-pore interaction.

• Received 10 April 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.68.041910