Photoconductivity, Photovoltages, and Photogenerated Solitons in Polyacetylene

The nature of photogenerated charge carriers in ${\left(\mathrm{CH}\right)}_x$ is explored through the photoconductive and photovoltaic response of the polymer. Experimental results are discussed in the context of the soliton model of charge carriers. It is concluded that photogenerated charged soliton pairs may play a role in ${\left(\mathrm{CH}\right)}_x$ photoconductivity but cannot produce the observed photovoltaic response of ${\left(\mathrm{CH}\right)}_x$ devices.