Creation of nonlinear localized modes in discrete lattices

Creation of intrinsic localized modes in homogeneous nonlinear lattices is discussed, taking as a special example a chain of particles interacting via harmonic and even-power anharmonic potentials. The analysis is based on an effective equation for the wave envelope that, in particular, seems to be an alternative discrete version of the well-known nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation. It is pointed out that modulational instability and nonlinearity-induced blowup may be considered as two main physical mechanisms for generation of highly localized modes in homogeneous nonlinear chains.