Incommensurate two-dimensional checkerboard charge density wave in the low-dimensional superconductor Ta4Pd3Te16

We report the observation of a two-dimensional (2D) checkerboard charge density wave (CDW) in the low-dimensional superconductor Ta4Pd3Te16. By determining its CDW properties across the temperature-pressure (T-P) phase diagram and comparing with prototypical CDW materials, we conclude that Ta4Pd3Te16 features (a) an incommensurate CDW with a mixed character of dimensions [quasi-1D (Q1D) considering its needlelike shape along the b axis, Q2D as the CDW has checkerboard wave vectors, and 3D because of CDW projections along all three axes], and (b) one of the weakest CDWs compared to its superconductivity (SC), i.e., enhanced SC with respect to CDW, suggesting an interesting interplay of the two orders.

Duke Scholars

Author Sara Haravifard Physics