Effects of temperature and electric field induced phase transitions on the dynamics of polarons and bipolarons

Abstract

The stability of charge carriers in conjugated polymers is investigated in terms of a nonadiabatic evolution method by using an extended version of the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model that includes the effects of an external electric field and temperature. On the basis of this physical picture, different patterns of applied electric field and temperature dependence of polaron and bipolaron kinematics as well as the transitions between different regimes are found. Phase transitions from subsonic to supersonic velocities are also discussed in terms of the system conditions. We were able to describe at which thermal regime each quasi-particle loses its stability and also to determine under which circumstances do the electric field and temperature rise or dampen its motion. The results indicate that thermal effects on polaron and bipolaron stability may provide guidance for improving the charge carrier conduction in organic optoelectronic devices.