Transverse conductivity in the sliding CDW state of NbSe_3

TL;DR

This paper investigates the transverse and longitudinal conduction properties of NbSe3 crystals during charge density wave (CDW) sliding, revealing sharp decreases in transverse conduction near threshold fields and observing Shapiro steps in both directions.

Contribution

It provides the first simultaneous study of longitudinal and transverse conduction in NbSe3 during CDW sliding, including the observation of transverse Shapiro steps.

Findings

Transverse conduction sharply decreases near the CDW threshold electric field.

Voltage and current Shapiro steps are observed in longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively.

Discussion of possible mechanisms for transverse conduction effects.

Abstract

The dynamical properties of longitudinal and transverse conduction of NbSe$_3$ single-crystals have been simultaneously studied when the current is applied along the b axis (chain direction). In the vicinity of the threshold electric field for CDW sliding, the transverse conduction sharply decreases. When a rf field is applied, voltage Shapiro steps for longitudinal transport are observed as usual, but also current Shapiro steps in the transverse direction. The possible mechanisms of this effect are discussed.