In solid-state physics, a polaron is formed when a moving charge (typically an electron or a hole) in a crystal with some ionic character polarizes (by its electric field) the lattice around it. The resulting lattice polarization acts as a potential well that hinders the movements of the charge, thus decreasing its mobility.

In organic materials, a polaron is formed when a charge within a molecular chain influences the local nuclear geometry, causing an attenuation (or even reversal) of nearby bond alternation amplitudes. This "excited state" possesses an energy level between the lower and upper bands.