Non-ohmic properties and electric breakdown of quasi one-dimensional organic conductors

The dependence of the d.c. conductivity of single crystals of TTF-TCNQ on the electric field strength has been investigated. At 4.2 K drastic deviations from Ohm's law are observed. At an electric field strength of 300–600 V/cm, dependent on the room temperature conductivity, a reversible breakdown occurs connected with a rise of the conductivity by about three orders of magnitude. Similar effects have been found in single crystals of (TTF)₇J₅ and (TTF)J₂ in the temperature range around 100 K. Possible mechanisms responsible for this large conductivity changes are discussed.