Topological Dislocations and Mixed State of Charge Density Waves

TL;DR

This paper explores the creation of a mixed state in incommensurate charge density waves through an external electric field, revealing topological dislocations and unique coupling effects that differ from superfluid states.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of a mixed state with topological dislocations in charge density waves induced by electric fields, highlighting novel coupling effects.

Findings

Mixed state can be induced by electric field perpendicular to chains.

The mixed state involves topological dislocations similar to superfluids.

Electric field and temperature influence the properties of the mixed state.

Abstract

We discuss the possibility of the ``mixed state'' in incommensurate charge density waves with three-dimensional order. It is shown that the mixed state can be created by applying an electric field perpendicular to the chains. This state consists of topological dislocations induced by the external field and is therefore similar to the mixed states of superfluids (type-II superconductor or liquid Helium II). However, the peculiar coupling of charge density waves with the electric field strongly modifies the nature of the mixed state compared to the conventional superfluids. The field and temperature dependence of the properties of the mixed state are studied, and some experimental aspects are discussed.