What is polaron?

A polaron is a quantum mechanical object that describes the coupling of a single particle with its surrounding medium, such as a lattice of atoms or molecules. It is a phonon-dressed electron - an electron that is surrounded and accompanied by a cloud of polarization due to its interaction with the crystal lattice.

Polarons are a ubiquitous phenomenon in condensed matter physics, where they play a central role in many physical processes, such as electrical conductivity, magnetism, and superconductivity. They have been observed in a wide range of materials, including semiconductors, metals, and insulators.

The properties of polaron depend on the strength of the interaction between the particle and the medium. If the interaction is strong enough, the particle can become self-trapped, which means that it is localized in space and no longer moves freely.

The study of polarons is important for understanding the electronic and optical properties of materials. It has also led to the development of new technologies, such as polaron lasers and polaronic transistors.