  Here we present a model of self healing in which correlations between
chromophores, as mediated by the polymer, are key to the recovery process. Our
model determines the size distribution of the correlation volume using a grand
canonical ensemble through a free energy advantage parameter. Choosing a
healing rate that is proportional to the number of undamaged molecules in a
correlated region, and a decay rate proportional to the intensity normalized to
the correlation volume, the ensemble average is shown to correctly predict
decay and recovery of the population of disperse orange 11-DO11
(1-amino-2-methylanthraquinone) molecules doped in PMMA polymer as a function
of time and concentration as measured with amplified spontaneous emission and
linear absorption spectroscopy using only three parameters that apply to the
full set of data. Our model also predicts the temperature dependence of the
process. One set of parameters should be characteristic of a particular polymer
and dopant chromophore combination. Thus, use of the model in determining these
parameters for various materials systems should provide the data needed to test
fundamental models of the underlying mechanism responsible for self healing.
