The I-V characteristic curve for the photocurrent flowing both parallel and perpendicular to the chain axis has been measured for a highly oriented form of trans-polyacetylene. The experimental data provide information on the influence of dimensionality on the charge transport. Onsager’s dissociation theory accounts well, at least semiquantitatively, for the observed quantum efficiency for carrier generation as a function of the applied electric field, photon flux and energy, and temperature.

• Received 2 February 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.38.8318