Lattice dynamics of the charge density wave compounds TaTe$_4$ and NbTe$_4$ and their evolution across solid solutions
Understanding lattice dynamics is central to elucidating the microscopic origin of charge density waves (CDWs), particularly in materials where electron-phonon coupling can play a dominant role. Raman spectroscopy, combined with first-principles calculations, offers a direct means to identify the vibrational modes involved and to monitor their evolution under controlled perturbations. In this work, we combine density functional theory calculations and Raman spectroscopy measurements to investigate the vibrational properties of the quasi-one-dimensional transition metal tetrachalcogenides TaTe$_4$ and NbTe$_4$, as well as their solid solutions Ta$_{1-x}$Nb$_{x}$Te$_4$ ($x$ = 0.0 - 1.0). For the stoichiometric compounds, first-principles calculations predict a phonon instability consistent with the trimerization associated with the CDW phase, providing theoretical evidence for the lattice distortion driving the transition. The calculated Raman-active modes show good agreement with room-temperature experimental spectra, enabling a systematic assignment of the observed peaks. Across the solid solution, most Raman modes evolve smoothly with composition. In contrast, the highest-frequency E$_{g}$ mode, dominated by transition-metal motion, exhibits a distinct behavior: its frequency remains close to that of the parent compounds while its intensity redistributes with stoichiometry. This evolution highlights the short-range character of this vibrational mode and suggests its relevance to the CDW-related lattice distortion in these materials.