The origin and nature of ‘charge packets’: A short review

A brief review of the charge packet phenomena is presented with the aim of identifying the generalities underlying the phenomena, in particular its connection with the well-known soliton phenomena will be explored. The physical mechanisms that may cause it will be evaluated in the light of the experimental evidence, and it will be argued that the detailed physics is different in different situations with consequent modifications of behavior. Possible connections with ageing and breakdown will be explored.