Slow dynamics of disordered zigzag chain molecules in layered LiVS2 under electron irradiation

TL;DR

This study provides experimental evidence of slow, dynamic disordered orbital molecules in LiVS2's high-temperature phase, revealing their fluctuating zigzag chain structure under electron irradiation, which advances understanding of soft matter physics in inorganic materials.

Contribution

It demonstrates the slow dynamics of disordered orbital molecules in LiVS2's high-temperature phase, showing their fluctuation behavior under electron irradiation for the first time.

Findings

Disordered orbital molecules in LiVS2 are dynamic and fluctuate in time and space.

Preformed orbital molecules form a zigzag chain structure.

Orbital molecule dynamics are observable under electron irradiation.

Abstract

Electronic instabilities in transition metal compounds often spontaneously form orbital molecules, which consist of orbital-coupled metal ions at low temperature. Recent local structural studies utilizing the pair distribution function revealed that preformed orbital molecules appear disordered even in the high-temperature paramagnetic phase. However, it is unclear whether preformed orbital molecules are dynamic or static. Here, we provide clear experimental evidence of the slow dynamics of disordered orbital molecules realized in the high-temperature paramagnetic phase of LiVS2, which exhibits vanadium trimerization upon cooling below 314 K. Unexpectedly, the preformed orbital molecules appear as a disordered zigzag chain that fluctuate in both time and space under electron irradiation. Our findings should advance studies on soft matter physics realized in an inorganic material due to disordered orbital molecules.