Coexistence and competition of multiple charge-density-wave orders in rare-earth tri-telluride RTe3

TL;DR

This study uses optical spectroscopy to reveal a third charge-density-wave order in RTe3 compounds, showing how multiple CDWs coexist and compete, and establishing a comprehensive phase diagram of these phenomena.

Contribution

It uncovers a previously unknown third CDW order in RTe3 compounds and details its interaction with existing orders, advancing understanding of multiple density-wave coexistence.

Findings

Discovery of a third CDW order in RTe3 series.

Systematic evolution of CDW orders with rare-earth element size.

Competition between CDW orders affecting spectral weight.

Abstract

The occurrences of collective quantum states, such as superconductivity (SC) and charge- or spin-densitywaves (CDWs or SDWs), are among the most fascinating phenomena in solids. To date much effort has been made to explore the interplay between different orders, yet little is known about the relationship of multiple orders of the same type. Here we report optical spectroscopy study on CDWs in the rare-earth tri-telluride compounds RTe3 (R = rare earth elements). Besides the prior reported two CDW orders, the study reveals unexpectedly the presence of a third CDW order in the series which evolves systematically with the size of R element. With increased chemical pressure, the first and third CDW orders are both substantially suppressed and compete with the second one by depleting the low energy spectral weight. A complete phase diagram for the multiple CDW orders in this series is established.