CAST: a new program package for the accurate characterization of large and flexible molecular systems.

The presented program package, Conformational Analysis and Search Tool (CAST) allows the accurate treatment of large and flexible (macro) molecular systems. For the determination of thermally accessible minima CAST offers the newly developed TabuSearch algorithm, but algorithms such as Monte Carlo (MC), MC with minimization, and molecular dynamics are implemented as well. For the determination of reaction paths, CAST provides the PathOpt, the Nudge Elastic band, and the umbrella sampling approach. Access to free energies is possible through the free energy perturbation approach. Along with a number of standard force fields, a newly developed symmetry-adapted perturbation theory-based force field is included. Semiempirical computations are possible through DFTB+ and MOPAC interfaces. For calculations based on density functional theory, a Message Passing Interface (MPI) interface to the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-accelerated TeraChem program is available. The program is available on request.

Identification of ultrafast relaxation processes as a major reason for inefficient exciton diffusion in perylene-based organic semiconductors.

The exciton diffusion length (LD) is a key parameter for the efficiency of organic optoelectronic devices. Its limitation to the nm length scale causes the need of complex bulk-heterojunction solar cells incorporating difficulties in long-term stability and reproducibility. A comprehensive model providing an atomistic understanding of processes that limit exciton trasport is therefore highly desirable and will be proposed here for perylene-based materials. Our model is based on simulations with a hybrid approach which combines high-level ab initio computations for the part of the system directly involved in the described processes with a force field to include environmental effects. The adequacy of the model is shown by detailed comparison with available experimental results. The model indicates that the short exciton diffusion lengths of α-perylene tetracarboxylicdianhydride (PTCDA) are due to ultrafast relaxation processes of the optical excitation via intermolecular motions leading to a state from which further exciton diffusion is hampered. As the efficiency of this mechanism depends strongly on molecular arrangement and environment, the model explains the strong dependence of LD on the morphology of the materials, for example, the differences between α-PTCDA and diindenoperylene. Our findings indicate how relaxation processes can be diminished in perylene-based materials. This model can be generalized to other organic compounds.