The effect of interchain coupling on the reverse polarization of a high-energy exciton in conjugated polymers

•We explore the interchain coupling effect on polarization of high-energy exciton.•High-energy exciton is localized only in one chain without interchain coupling.•Reverse polarization of high-energy exciton is weakened by interchain coupling.•Interchain coupling effect is more obvious for larger non-degenerate confinement.•Electron–electron interaction doesn't affect polarization of high-energy exciton.

By using the one-dimensional extended Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model, we investigate the effect of interchain coupling on the reverse polarization of a high-energy exciton in conjugated polymers. Our results show that, without interchain coupling, the high-energy exciton is completely localized in one chain, which could be reversely polarized by an electric field. However, when taking into account interchain coupling, the high-energy exciton tends to extend between two chains. Its reverse polarization would be reduced accordingly. We also find that the interchain coupling effect is more obvious for polymers with a stronger non-degenerate confinement. Besides this, the effect of electron–electron interaction is also discussed.