Fig. 3: Dynamic process of the chirality switching in the CDW superlattice.
a, b STM topography of the same area in a 1T-NbSe2 island, showing the fast switching between transition states I and II around the chiral DB. Green and blue triangular lattices are superimposed on the STM images and indicate the L and R domains, as well as the configuration at the chiral DB. The dashed SODs refer to the CDW sites, which are fuzzy due to the fast switching between two chiral domains. c State III showing the same area as in (a) and (b) with the stabilized chiral DB. d, e Schematic of the STM tip above the SOD at the fuzzy chiral DB (3D views of a and b) to monitor the chiral change, which results in high and low tunneling currents (Ihigh and Ilow), respectively. f, g Time−current (I − t) curve recorded with gaps of −1.5 V, 100 pA before turning off the FB loop and −1.5 V, 400 pA, respectively. The switching rate of the fuzzy chiral SOD is tuned by the tunneling current. h Switching rate (R) as a function of the tunneling current (I) plotted in the log scale. The linear line represents the power-law fit (R ∝ IN) with N = 1.042 ± 0.055 indicating a one-electron process. i Schematic of chiral CDW changes induced by energy. Scanning parameters: a–c, −1.5 V, 200 pA.
