Charge-density-wave phase slip in NbSe3

We have studied the phase-slip process by which charge-density-wave (CDW) current is converted to single-particle current at electrical contacts. Transport and X-ray scattering measurements indicate that an excess voltage Vps dropped between current contacts induces a large static deformation of the CDW phase. The measured Vpsand temperature-dependent phase-slip rates are consistent with a model in which CDW dislocation loops are thermally nucleated in the presence of these deformations. The effects of impurities and contact perturbations on the phase slip process are also discussed.