Microscopic Charge Density Wave Transport

This thesis describes the work performed on crystals with a phase transition to a Charge-Density Wave (CDW). The electrical transport properties change when crystal sizes are smaller than characteristic length scales for CDWs, typically 1 micrometer. In contrast to metals, semiconductors and superconductors, reduction of sizes is relatively unexplored in the case of CDWs. The development of methods to reduce sizes of CDW crystals are described in this thesis. Numerous finite-size transport effects are found as a result of the development of these new fabrication methods. These finite-size effects have led to the development of models to describe the microscopic aspects of CDWs.Stichting voor Fundamenteel Onderzoek der Materie (FOM). Nederlandse Organisatie van Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO). International Association for the promotion of cooperation with scientists from the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union (INTAS).UBL - phd migration 201