Charge density wave soliton liquid

TL;DR

This paper reveals a novel ac-dc interference spectrum in charge density wave transport in $o$-TaS$_3$, suggesting a liquid-like behavior of $2 ext{ extpi}$ phase solitons and providing new insights into CDW dynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a model where $2 ext{ extpi}$ phase solitons behave as a liquid, explaining the new interference spectrum observed in CDW transport.

Findings

Discovery of a new ac-dc interference spectrum in CDW transport.

Evidence that $2 ext{ extpi}$ phase solitons behave as a liquid.

Depinning of solitons from impurities is assisted by ac fields.

Abstract

We investigate the charge density wave transport in a quasi-one-dimensional conductor, orthorhombic tantalum trisulfide ($o$-TaS$_3$), by applying a radio-frequency ac voltage. We find a new ac-dc interference spectrum in the differential conductance, which appear on both sides of the zero-bias peak. The frequency and amplitude dependences of the new spectrum do not correspond to those of any usual ac-dc interference spectrum (Shapiro steps). The results suggest that CDW phase dynamics has a hidden degree of freedom. We propose a model in which $2\pi$ phase solitons behave as liquid. The origin of the new spectrum is that the solitons are depinned from impurity potentials assisted by an ac field when small dc field is applied. Our results provide a new insight as regards our understanding of an elementary process in CDW dynamics.