Accurate prediction of inverted singlet-triplet excited states using self-consistent spin-opposite perturbation theory

Abstract

The violation of Hund's rule, resulting in an inverted singlet-triplet (INVEST) gap, represents a paradigm shift in photophysics with major implications for OLED technology. INVEST molecules facilitate barrierless reverse intersystem crossing, theoretically permitting 100\% internal quantum efficiency without thermal activation. However, accurately predicting negative singlet-triplet energy gaps typically demands prohibitive computational costs. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of our recently developed one-body M{\o}ller-Plesset perturbation theory (OBMP2) and its spin-opposite variant (O2BMP2) as efficient alternatives. Benchmarking against 30 INVEST molecules reveals that O2BMP2, with appropriate spin-opposite scaling, achieves the accuracy of ADC(3) and EOM-CCSD. Furthermore, with the possibility of reducing computational complexity to $N^4$, O2BMP2 provides a robust balance of accuracy and efficiency, making it suitable for the high-throughput screening of next-generation INVEST materials.