Atomic lattice disorder in charge-density-wave phases of exfoliated dichalcogenides (1T-TaS2).

ABSTRACT: Charge-density waves (CDWs) and their concomitant periodic lattice distortions (PLDs) govern the electronic properties in several layered transition-metal dichalcogenides. In particular, 1T-TaS₂ undergoes a metal-to-insulator phase transition as the PLD becomes commensurate with the crystal lattice. Here we directly image PLDs of the nearly commensurate (NC) and commensurate (C) phases in thin, exfoliated 1T-TaS₂ using atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy at room and cryogenic temperature. At low temperatures, we observe commensurate PLD superstructures, suggesting ordering of the CDWs both in- and out-of-plane. In addition, we discover stacking transitions in the atomic lattice that occur via one-bond-length shifts. Interestingly, the NC PLDs e

SUBMITTER: Hovden R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5068312 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature