Microwave transport approach to the coherence of interchain hopping in (TMTSF)2PF6

TL;DR

This study uses microwave techniques to investigate the transport properties of (TMTSF)$_2$PF$_6$, revealing a temperature-dependent transition from insulating to metallic behavior and evidence of coherent interchain hopping below 40 K.

Contribution

It provides direct microwave measurements of resistivity and magnetoresistance in (TMTSF)$_2$PF$_6$, identifying a characteristic temperature for the onset of coherence in interchain transport.

Findings

Identification of a 40 K temperature scale for transport regime transition.

Observation of finite magnetoresistance below 40 K indicating 2D coherence.

Deviations from Fermi liquid behavior below the characteristic temperature.

Abstract

We report a microwave study of the longitudinal and transverse transport properties of the quasi-one-dimensional organic conductor (TMTSF)$_2$PF$_6$ in its normal phase. The contactless technique have provided a direct measurement of the temperature profile of the resistivity along the {\bf b'} direction and in magnetic fields up to 14 T. A characteristic energy scale ($T_x \sim 40 K$) has been observed which delimits a transient regime from an insulating to a metallic behavior. This anomalous profile is discussed in terms of the onset of coherent transport properties along the {\bf b'} direction below 40 K. This is also supported by the observation of a finite longitudinal and transverse magnetoresitances only below 40 K, indicative of a two-dimensional regime. Below $T_x$, however, strong deviations with respect to a Fermi liquid behavior are evidenced.