Electron-hole versus exciton delocalization in conjugated polymers: the role of topology

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There is currently a great need for solid state lasers that emit in the infrared. Whether or not conjugated polymers that emit in the IR can be synthesized is an interesting theoretical challenge. We show that the requirement for such a material is that the exciton delocalization in the system be large, such that the optical gap is small. We develop a theory of exciton delocalization in conjugated polymers, and show that the extent of this can be predicted from the topology of the conjugated polymer in question. We determine the precise structural characteristics that would be necessary for light emission in the IR.