Mechanically-induced Shapiro steps: the effect of vibration on the dynamics of a charge density wave

Abstract

Problem formulating. The quasi one-dimensional conductor TaS3 of the orthorhombic modification shows strong electromechanical coupling of the sliding charge density wave (CDW) with the lattice of crystals. However, until now the effect of the dynamic deformation of the sample on the CDW sliding has not been studied. Goal. Search and study of a new effect: the influence of sample vibration on CDW dynamics. Result. The conductivity of TaS3 samples is studied as a function of the electric field and the frequency of mechanical deformation of the sample. It is found that when the vibration frequency of the piezoelectric actuators deforming the sample coincides with one of the mechanical resonances of the sample, suppression of the threshold field and features in the form of Shapiro steps are observed on the I–V characteristics. The effect is similar (though not equivalent) to that of RF voltage applied directly to the sample at the same frequency. Evidence is provided that these features are not coupled with the effect of electrical interference. Practical meaning. The result opens up a new area of electromechanical effects in quasi one-dimensional conductors with CDW and can be used for detecting and processing of mechanical oscillations in the microwave range.