Charge-density-wave phase slip and current conversion inNbSe3

Abstract

We report measurements of the phase-slip process by which charge-density-wave (CDW) current is converted to single-particle current at electrical contacts. An excess voltage ${\mathit{V}}_{\mathrm{ps}}$ produces a large static deformation of the CDW phase, which drives formation of dislocation loops. Measurements of the phase-slip rate as a function of the applied stress ${\mathit{V}}_{\mathrm{ps}}$ for both CDWs in ${\mathrm{NbSe}}_{3}$ reveal a diodelike relation, analogous to that for phase slip in superfluids. Our results are generally consistent with the predictions of Ramakrishna et al., and may have significant implications for study of CDW dynamics of temperatures well below the Peierls transition.