Polarons in atomic gases and two-dimensional semiconductors
Rev. Mod. Phys. 98, 035002 – Published 2 September, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/4nng-bb9z
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive survey of theoretical and experimental studies of the properties of polarons formed by mobile impurities that strongly interact with quantum many-body systems. A unified perspective is presented on the universal concepts and theoretical techniques used to characterize polarons in two distinct platforms, ultracold atomic gases and atomically thin transition-metal dichalcogenides, which are linked by many deep parallels. The review discusses polarons in both fermionic and bosonic environments, highlighting their similarities and differences, including the intricate interplay between few- and many-body physics. Various kinds of polarons with long-range interactions or in magnetic backgrounds are discussed, and the theoretical and experimental progress toward understanding interactions between polarons is described. The review outlines how polaron physics, regarded as the low-density limit of quantum mixtures, provides fundamental insights regarding the phase diagram of complex condensed matter systems. Furthermore, how polarons may serve as sensors of complex many-body physics is described. The review highlights open problems, identifies new research directions, and provides a comprehensive framework for this rapidly evolving research field.
