Resolving emergent structure states in 2D transition metal dichalcogenids by total x-ray scattering*

Materials exhibiting reduced dimensionality and strongly interacting charge and lattice degrees of freedom can appear in various crystal structure states that harbor fascinating quantum phenomena. The complexity of the states, however, often makes it challenging to understand the nature of the phenomena, impeding their exploration for practical applications. Typical examples are the emergence of charge density waves (CDWs), Mott insulator and Wyel semimetal phases in transition metal dichalcogenides.  We will show that the problem can be solved by total x-ray scattering experiments and 3D structure modeling. Examples will include results of our recent studies on the genesis of CDWs in 2H-TaSe₂ [1], nature of metal-to-insulator transition in 1T-TaS₂ [2], and local structure memory effects in the Wyel semimetal MoTe₂ [3].

References

1. V. Petkov et al. PRB 101, 121114(R), (2020).

2. V. Petkov et al. J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 34, 345401 (2022).

3. V. Petkov et al. PRB 102, 024111 (2020).