Dynamics of exciton transfer in coupled polymer chains

Abstract

The dynamics of singlet and triplet exciton transfer in coupled polymer chains are investigated within the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger+Pariser-Parr-Pople model including both electron-phonon (e-p) coupling and electron-electron (e-e) interactions, using a multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree-Fock dynamic method. In order to explain the processes involved, the effects of on-site and long-range e-e interactions on the locality of the singlet and triplet excitons are first investigated on an isolated chain. It is found that the locality of the singlet exciton decreases, while the locality of the triplet exciton increases with an increase in the on-site e-e interactions. On the other hand, an increase in the long-range e-e interaction results in a more localized singlet exciton and triplet exciton. In coupled polymer chains, we then quantitatively show the yields of singlet and triplet exciton transfer products under the same interchain coupling. It is found that the yield of singlet interchain excitons is much higher than that of triplet interchain excitons, that is to say, singlet exciton transfer is significantly easier than that for triplet excitons. This results from the fact that the singlet exciton is more delocalized than the triplet exciton. In addition, hopping of electrons with opposite spins between the coupled chains can facilitate the transfer of singlet excitons. The results are of great significance for understanding the photoelectric conversion process and developing high-power organic optoelectronic applications.