Abstract
We show, experimentally and theoretically, that the application of modest voltages, , to crystals at sufficiently high temperatures, , leads to the formation of ultraslow shock waves (moving discontinuities) of the electron density owing to the removal of electrons from centers. Behind the sharp wave front, almost all iron centers are in the state, the sample is optically transparent, and its transport properties are strongly modified. The front velocity decreases during the propagation; it is controlled by the electron mobility.
- Received 14 April 2008
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.116601
©2008 American Physical Society
Synopsis
Charged shock waves
Published 9 September 2008
Shock waves, familiar from hydrodynamics, acoustics, and optics, have been observed in the changing charge state of iron defects in lithium niobate crystals upon application of even a modest voltage across the crystal.
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