arXiv · 2112.10857
Absence of in-gap modes in charge density wave edge dislocations of the Weyl semimetal (TaSe$_4$)$_2$I
Abstract
Axion electrodynamics in condensed matter could emerge from the formation of charge density waves (CDWs) in Weyl semimetals. (TaSe$_4$)$_2$I was proposed to be the first material platform for realizing axionic CDW that may host topological defects with one-dimensional in-gap modes. The real-space modulation of the CDW phase and the existence of in-gap modes remain elusive. Here, we present a comprehensive scanning tunneling microscopic and spectroscopic study of a CDW on a (TaSe$_4$)$_2$I (110) surface. The tunneling spectroscopic measurements reveal a CDW gap of $\sim 200$ meV, in good agreement with prior studies, while the spectroscopy of CDW edge dislocation shows no indication of in-gap states. The bias-dependent scanning tunneling microscopy images indicate that the CDW in(TaSe$_4$)$_2$I is dominated by a large periodic lattice distortion instead of charge modulation, suggesting a non-Peierls mechanism of the CDW instability.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Zengle Huang, Hemian Yi, Lujin Min, Zhiqiang Mao, Cui-Zu Chang, Weida Wu. 2021-12-20. Absence of in-gap modes in charge density wave edge dislocations of the Weyl semimetal (TaSe$_4$)$_2$I. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.104.205138
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.