High resolution X-ray scattering techniques for studying the sliding CDWS distortions, in NbSe3

The phase gradient in a sliding-charge density wave (CDW), which is observable as a longitudinal shift, q proportional to partial derivative phi/partial derivativex, of the CDW satellite peak position. is due to the conversion free-electrons-CDW-condensate, at the current electrodes. Using high resolution X-ray scattering techniques and time-resolved techniques, we monitor, on thin NbSe3 whiskers, the shift, q(x), and its relaxation. q(t), upon switching off the current. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.