Visualizing the spatial structure of charge density waves via scanning electron microscopy

We have performed investigations with a low-temperature scanning electron microscope (SEM) on TaS3, in order to visualize the structures of the charge density waves, both at rest and sliding. In contrast to the usual SEM methods, we recorded the electric response of the sample in dependence of the beam position. A two-dimensional picture of deformations is obtained from the analysis of the images. The main features of the picture agree with the results obtained by other methods and are consistent with the model discussed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.