Direct measurement of spatial distortions of charge density waves in K0.3MoO3

Using x-ray scattering and multiple diffraction on a charge density wave (CDW) material, K0.3MoO3, under applied voltages, we demonstrate that the occurrence of nonlinear conductivity caused by the periodic media is through the internal deformation of the CDW lattice, i.e., a phase jump of 2 pi, as the applied voltage exceeds the threshold. From the evolution of the measured peak width of satellite reflections as a function of the field strength, we also report that the CDW lattice can be driven to move and undergo a dynamic phase transition from the disordered pinning state to ordered moving solid state and then to disordered moving liquid. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.