The temperature T dependencies ρ(T ) of normal state electric resistivities ρ c (axial) and ρ ab (in plane) of single-layer high-T c superconductors show common trends: As T is raised, the resistivity first drops steeply before it starts rising ∝ T above an apparent semiconductor-to-metal crossover T cross . To analyze ρ(T ) we plott T /ρ against T at various dopings x for both ρ c and ρ ab . T/ρ is inversely proportional to the traversal time across a potential barrier as an ionic particle drifts in an electric field. We find T/ρ in good agreement with the T dependence of the quantum rate of migrating particles: As T is raised, a zero-point rate at the lowest T is extended to a nearly flat plateau before a thermally activated branch sets in. We also find evidence for the admixture of 1-& 2-phonon absorptions below the Arrhenius range. These features shape the semiconductorlike branch below T cross . Above T cross a metallic-like branch sets in, its ∝ T character deriving from the field coupling of the migrating particle. Our analysis suggests that metal physics may not suffice if ionic features play a role in transport. We attribute our conclusions to the drift of strong-coupling polarons along Cu-O bonds. These "bond polarons" originate from carrier scattering by double-well potentials associated with the bonds. A bond polaron dissociates to a free hole as it passes onto a neighboring O-O link.
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