Microscopic Structure and Dynamics of Charge Density Waves

除了超导外，线性链状金属中的电荷密度波(CDW)运动是唯一已知的通过运动的量子基态进行电子传导的例子。他们认为，这种效应构成了凝聚态物理学中最重要的悬而未决的问题。现在有大量的实验证据支持这一假设，即电场中的CDW加速是通过宏观量子隧道进行的，具有类似于约瑟夫森效应的相位相干特性。在多年工作的基础上，他们提出了实验与理论相结合的方案，主要内容包括：(1)通过离子轰击和注入来控制CDW的钉扎；(2)利用他们最新建造的扫描隧道显微镜直接观察CDW的结构和运动；(3)发展一套完整的CDW运动理论。该程序旨在阐明这一显著新现象的微观方面，并同时提供对未来电子应用所需的CDW特性的控制。

Charge density wave (CDW) motion in linear chain metals represents the only known example of electronic conduction by a moving quantum ground state, apart from superconductivity. They believe that this effect constitutes the most important unresolved problem in condensed matter physics. A large body of experimental evidence now supports the hypothesis that CDW acceleration in an electric field proceeds via macroscopic quantum tunneling, with phase coherence properities similar to the Josephson effect. Based upon years of previous work, they are proposing a program of combined experiment and theory which includes the following major element: (1) control of CDW pinning through ion bombardment and implantation, (2) direct observation of CDW structure and motion with their recently constructed scanning tunneling microscope, and (3) development of a complete theory for CDW motion. This program is designed to elucidate the microscopic aspects of this remarkable new phenomenon, and to simultaneously provide the control of CDW properties that will be required for future electronic application.