Submicron charge-density-wave devices

We review our fabrication methods to produce submicron charge-density-wave (CDW) structures and present measurements of CDW dynamics on a microscopic scale. Our data show that mesoscopic CDW dynamics is different from bulk behavior. We have studied current-conversion and found a size-effect that can not be accounted for by existing models. An explanation might be that the removal and addition of wave fronts becomes correlated in time when probe spacing is reduced below a few $\mu$m. On small segments we occasionally observe negative differential resistance in the $I(V)$ characteristics and sometimes the resistance may even become negative. We believe that the interplay between CDW deformations (strain) and quasi-particles may yield non-equilibrium effects that play a crucial role in this new phenomenon. No detailed theoretical calculations are available. Our measurements clearly show the need of a microscopic model for CDW dynamics.