Solitonic phase in manganites

Orbital order present in several transition metal compounds could give rise to topological defects. Here we argue that the topological defects in orbital ordered half doped manganites are orbital solitons that carry a charge of +/- e/2. When extra charge is added to the system an array of solitons is formed and an incommensurate solitonic phase occurs. The striking experimental asymmetry in the phase diagram as electrons or holes are added to half doped manganites is explained by the energy difference between positive and negative charged solitons. The presence of nanoscale inhomogeneities in manganites is naturally explained by the existence of solitonic phases.