Sliding-induced decoupling and charge transfer between the coexisting Q1 and Q2 charge density waves in NbSe3

• Published in: Physical review letters Vol. 93; no. 10; pp. 106404.1 - 106404.4
• Main Authors: AYARI, A, DANNEAU, R, REQUARDT, H, ORTEGA, L, LORENZO, J. E, MONCEAU, P, CURRAT, R, BRAZOVSKII, S, GRÜBEL, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ridge, NY American Physical Society 03-09-2004
• Subjects: Charge-density-wave systems; Collective effects; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Electron states; Exact sciences and technology; Physics; X-ray scattering; Inorganic compounds; Peierls transition; Niobium selenides; Transition element compounds; Slip; Charge density waves; Threshold current; Satellite lines; Charge transfer; High-resolution methods
• ISSN: 0031-9007; 1079-7114
• DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.93.106404

Using high-resolution x-ray scattering in the presence of an applied current, we report evidence for a dynamical decoupling between the two NbSe3 charge-density waves (CDWs), Q1 (TC1 = 145 K) and Q2 (TC2 = 59 K), coexisting below TC2. Simultaneous and oppositely directed shifts of the relevant CDW superlattice spots develop above a threshold current which we identify as the depinning threshold IC1 for the more strongly pinned upper CDW Q1 (IC1~10IC2). In contrast with shifts induced by current conversion processes, the present effect is not current polarized and is not limited to the current-contact regions. We propose a model which explains this instability through a sliding-induced charge transfer between the two electronic reservoirs corresponding to the Q1 and Q2 CDWs.