Dynamics of rotational defects in ring-containing polymers

Summary form only given. The dynamics of torsional defects in polythiophene, polypyrrole and its derivatives is studied. The model consists of an extension of the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model, where electron-lattice coupling via ring rotations is now included. The time-dependent Schrodinger equation and the equation of motion for the lattice ring-torsion-angle are numerically integrated in a self-consistent way. The charge and mass of the torsional defects are determined. The motion of these defects in the presence of an electric field is simulated through the inclusion of the field in the Hamiltonian in terms of a time dependent vector potential.