We show that the properties of many conducting polymers can be determined from the study of a simple, continuum, one-dimensional model with a limited number of relevant interaction parameters. Over most of the range of validity of the model, low-order perturbation theory in the electron-electron interactions is reliable. Properties of the ground state and low-lying excitations (especially solitons and polarons) can thus be determined perturbatively. The results are compared successfully with experiments in polyacetylene and other polymers.

• Received 7 January 1986

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.33.8546