This book provides an introduction to localised excitations in spatially discrete systems, from the experimental, numerical and mathematical points of view. Also known as discrete breathers, nonlinear lattice excitations and intrinsic localised modes, these are spatially localised time periodic motions in networks of dynamical units. Examples of such networks are molecular crystals, biomolecules, and arrays of Josephson superconducting junctions. The book also addresses the formation of discrete breathers and their potential role in energy transfer in such systems.

This book provides an introduction to localised excitations in spatially discrete systems, from the experimental, numerical and mathematical points of view. Also known as discrete breathers, nonlinear lattice excitations and intrinsic localised modes, these are spatially localised time periodic motions in networks of dynamical units. Examples of such networks are molecular crystals, biomolecules, and arrays of Josephson superconducting junctions. The book also addresses the formation of discrete breathers and their potential role in energy transfer in such systems.