Transverse conductivity behavior at threshold electric field for CDW sliding in NbSe3

We have measured the dynamical properties which occur in the transverse direction to the conducting chains in NbSe3 single-crystals, when the CDW slides along the chains. A sharp decrease in transverse conductivity takes place above an electric field less than the longitudinal threshold one for CDW sliding; that may result from induced phase shifts between CDW chains. Under the joint application of dc and rf driving fields voltage Shapiro steps for longitudinal transport are observed as usual but also pronounced current Shapiro steps in transverse direction. The possible mechanisms of this effect as well as a tentative new view on the origin of the narrow band noise in CDW compounds are discussed.