Quantum Lattice Solitons

Abstract

The number state method is used to study soliton bands for three anharmonic quantum lattices: i) The discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation, ii) The Ablowitz-Ladik system, and iii) A fermionic polaron model. Each of these systems is assumed to have $f$-fold translational symmetry in one spatial dimension, where $f$ is the number of freedoms (lattice points). At the second quantum level $(n=2)$ we calculate exact eigenfunctions and energies of pure quantum states, from which we determine binding energy $(E_{\rm b})$, effective mass $(m^{*})$ and maximum group velocity $(V_{\rm m})$ of the soliton bands as functions of the anharmonicity in the limit $f \to \infty$. For arbitrary values of $n$ we have asymptotic expressions for $E_{\rm b}$, $m^{*}$, and $V_{\rm m}$ as functions of the anharmonicity in the limits of large and small anharmonicity. Using these expressions we discuss and describe wave packets of pure eigenstates that correspond to classical solitons.