Microwave transport approach to the coherence of interchain hopping in (TMTSF)2PF6

Abstract

We report a microwave study of the longitudinal and transverse transport properties of the quasi-one-dimensional organic conductor (TMTSF)$_2$PF$_6$ in its normal phase. The contactless technique have provided a direct measurement of the temperature profile of the resistivity along the {\bf b'} direction and in magnetic fields up to 14 T. A characteristic energy scale ($T_x \sim 40 K$) has been observed which delimits a transient regime from an insulating to a metallic behavior. This anomalous profile is discussed in terms of the onset of coherent transport properties along the {\bf b'} direction below 40 K. This is also supported by the observation of a finite longitudinal and transverse magnetoresitances only below 40 K, indicative of a two-dimensional regime. Below $T_x$, however, strong deviations with respect to a Fermi liquid behavior are evidenced.