Vector Polarons in a Degenerate Electron System

TL;DR

This paper models a one-dimensional electron system with degenerate bands interacting with lattice distortions, revealing new multicomponent vector polarons and their phase diagram, with implications for magnetic polarons.

Contribution

It introduces and classifies vector polarons in a degenerate electron system with Jahn-Teller interactions, expanding understanding of self-localized states.

Findings

Discovery of multicomponent vector polarons

Classification of different vector polaron types

Phase diagram of polaron states

Abstract

We consider a one dimensional model of an electron in a doubly (or nearly) degenerate band that interacts with elastic distortions. We show that the electron equations of motion reduce to a set of coupled non-linear Schrodinger equations. For the case of interband electron-phonon coupling stemming from local Jahn-Teller interactions, new multicomponent self-localized polaron solutions --vector polarons-- are described and classified. The phase diagram for the different types of vector polarons in this model is presented. By interpreting the components of the orbital doublet as those of spin-1/2, our results can also be used to describe bound magnetic polarons.