Within the framework of the Feynman variational method the bipolaron b
inding energy and the bipolaron effective mass in cylindrical and plan
ar quantum wires with 'parabolic' confinement are calculated. An analo
gy is found between the effects due to strong confinement and those du
e to the application of a strong magnetic field. Strengthening the con
finement leads to an enlargement of the bipolaron stability region. (C
) 1998 Academic Press Limited.