From polaron to solectron: The addition of nonlinear elasticity to quantum mechanics and its possible effect upon electric transport

A significant generalization of the polaron concept is given here. The building block of the new concept is the anharmonicity of the backbone lattice vibrations not considered by the earlier authors. Due to such (non-Hookean) nonlinear elasticity, solitons may appear in an one-dimensional Toda (and Toda–Morse) lattice (no electric charge is involved in the system). Then a discussion is provided about the interplay of an added, excess electron with these lattice excitations (including polaron-like effects) thus leading, in particular, to electron trapping by solitons and hence to the dynamic bound state called solectron. Also given here are features of the “truth and consequences” of introducing this new concept (and quasiparticle) when dealing with electric transport.