Probing the Mott Physics in $\kappa$-(BEDT-TTF)$_2$X Salts via Thermal Expansion

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent thermal expansion measurements on $$-BEDT-TTF salts, shedding light on the lattice's role in the Mott metal-insulator transition and criticality in these molecular conductors.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of recent experimental findings on Mott physics in $$-BEDT-TTF salts, emphasizing the impact of lattice degrees of freedom.

Findings

Thermal expansion measurements reveal critical behavior near the Mott transition.

Lattice effects significantly influence the Mott transition in these materials.

Recent results help clarify the role of lattice in Mott criticality.

Abstract

In the field of interacting electron systems the Mott metal-to-insulator (MI) transition represents one of the pivotal issues. The role played by lattice degrees of freedom for the Mott MI transition and the Mott criticality in a variety of materials are current topics under debate. In this context, molecular conductors of the $\kappa$-(BEDT-TTF)$_2$X type constitute a class of materials for unraveling several aspects of the Mott physics. In this review, we present a synopsis of literature results with focus on recent expansivity measurements probing the Mott MI transition in this class of materials. Progress in the description of the Mott critical behavior is also addressed.