Defects, Order, and Hysteresis in Driven Charge-Density Waves

Mikko Karttunen; Mikko Haataja; K. R. Elder; Martin Grant

doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.83.3518

Defects, Order, and Hysteresis in Driven Charge-Density Waves

Mikko Karttunen, Mikko Haataja, K. R. Elder, and Martin Grant

Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 3518 – Published 25 October 1999

Abstract

We model driven two-dimensional charge-density waves in random media via a modified Swift-Hohenberg equation, which includes both amplitude and phase fluctuations of the condensate. As the driving force is increased, the defect density first increases and then decreases. Furthermore, we find switching phenomena, due to the formation of channels of dislocations. These results are in qualitative accord with recent dynamical x-ray scattering experiments by Ringland et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 82, 1923 (1999)] and transport experiments by Lemay et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 2793 (1999)].

Received 1 April 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.83.3518

Authors & Affiliations

Mikko Karttunen¹, Mikko Haataja¹, K. R. Elder², and Martin Grant¹

¹Department of Physics and Centre for the Physics of Materials, McGill University, 3600 Rue University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 2T8
²Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan 48309-4487