Charge-density-ware current conversion in submicron NbSe3 wires

We have studied the charge-density-wave (CDW) current conversion process in NbSe3 wire structures of mesoscopic dimensions. A significant reduction of the phase-slip voltage associated with this conversion is observed if the spacing between current contacts is smaller than a few mu m. This reduction cannot be explained with existing models of CDW current conversion. We sug gest that single phase-slip events play a central role in micron-sized syst ems. The removal and addition of wave fronts may then become correlated in time. PACS numbers: 72.15.Nj, 71.45.Lr, 73.23.-b.