  The one-dimensional Holstein-Hubbard model with two electrons of opposite
spin is studied using an extension of a recently developed quantum Monte Carlo
method, and a very simple yet rewarding variational approach, both based on a
canonically transformed Hamiltonian. The quantum Monte Carlo method yields very
accurate results in the regime of small but finite phonon frequencies,
characteristic of many strongly correlated materials such as, e.g., the
cuprates and the manganites. The influence of electron-electron repulsion,
phonon frequency and temperature on the bipolaron state is investigated.
Thermal dissociation of the intersite bipolaron is observed at high
temperatures, and its relation to an existing theory of the manganites is
discussed.
