Robust charge stripe order under high electric fields in Nd_1.67Sr_0.33NiO₄

The influence of high electric fields on the charge stripe order in Nd_1.67Sr_0.33NiO₄ was studied by means of simultaneous hard x-ray diffraction and electrical transport experiments. Direct measurements of the charge stripe satellite peaks in zero and high electric fields provide no evidence for a deformation or a sliding of the stripe lattice, which contradicts previous indications from nonlinear conductance effects. By using the order parameter of a structural phase transition for instant sample temperature measurements, nonlinear transport effects can be attributed to resistive heating. Implications for the pinning of stripes in the nickelates are discussed.