X-Ray Scattering Evidence for Macroscopic Strong Pinning Centers in the Sliding CDW state of NbSe_3

Using high-resolution X-ray scattering techniques, we measure the variation, q ( x ), of the position in reciprocal space of the CDW satellite, in the sliding state, along the length of NbSe 3 whiskers. We show that structural defects and intentionally X-ray radiation-damaged regions increase locally the CDW pinning force, and induce CDW phase distortions which are consistent with those observed near contacts. Using the semi-microscopic model in Ref. [1] describing the normal ↔ condensed carrier conversion, with spatially varying parameters, we account for the experimental spatial dependence of the CDW phase gradient near both types of defects.