noun
- quasiparticles consisting of electrons or holes coupled with lattice distortions in a crystal
Usage: physics; solid-state physics
Examples
- Polarons form when charge carriers interact strongly with the ionic lattice.
- The mobility of polarons is typically lower than that of free electrons.
- Scientists studied polaron formation in organic semiconductors.
- Large polarons occur when the coupling is weak and the distortion extends over many lattice sites.
- Small polarons are localized to a few atomic sites in the crystal.
- The polaron model helps explain electrical conductivity in certain materials.