We have carried out density-matrix renormalization group calculations on the ground state of long polyacene oligomers within a Pariser-Parr-Pople (PPP) Hamiltonian. The PPP model includes long-range electron correlations which are required for physically realistic modeling of conjugated polymers. We have obtained the ground-state energy as a function of the dimerization $\delta$ and various correlation functions and structure factors for $\delta =0\mathrm{}$. From energetics, we find that the nature of the Peierls’ instability in polyacene is conditional and strong electron correlations enhance the dimerization. The cis form of the distortion is favored over the trans form. However, from the analysis of correlation functions and associated structure factors, we find that polyacene is not susceptible to the formation of a bond order wave, spin-density wave, or a charge-density wave in the ground state.

• Received 3 October 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.65.155204