DISTRIBUTION OF PHASE SLIP IN CHARGE-DENSITY-WAVE CONDUCTION IN NBSE3

Experiments are described which show that, in charge-density-wave (CDW) conduction in NbSe3, phase slip occurs in regions extending for substantial distances from the current terminals. Contrary to the assumptions of previous discussions, most of the excess voltage associated with phase slip comes from the reduction of Frohlich current in these regions, and not from the voltage needed to nucleate CDW dislocation loops. An explanation is suggested, in terms of dislocation motion in the strain field due to terminals on the side of the specimen.