Observation of momentum-dependent charge density wave gap in a layered antiferromagnet GdTe3

TL;DR

This study investigates the momentum-dependent charge density wave gap in GdTe3, a layered antiferromagnetic material, using ARPES and other measurements, revealing the interplay between CDW and magnetic order.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed momentum-resolved analysis of the CDW gap in GdTe3, highlighting its anisotropic nature and coexistence with antiferromagnetism.

Findings

CDW amplitude mode persists at room temperature

Fermi surface shows partial nesting with momentum-dependent gap

Gap maximum along G-Z direction, decreasing towards G-M

Abstract

Charge density wave (CDW) ordering has been an important topic of study for a long time owing to its connection with other exotic phases such as superconductivity and magnetism. The RTe3 (R = rare-earth elements) family of materials provides a fertile ground to study the dynamics of CDW in van der Waals layered materials, and the presence of magnetism in these materials allows to explore the interplay among CDW and long range magnetic ordering. Here, we have carried out a high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) study of a CDW material GdTe3, which is antiferromagnetic below 12 K, along with thermodynamic, electrical transport, magnetic, and Raman measurements. Our Raman spectroscopy measurements show the presence of CDW amplitude mode at room temperature, which remains prominent when the sample is thinned down to 4-layers by exfoliation. Our ARPES data show a two-fold symmetric Fermi surface with both gapped and ungapped regions indicative of the partial nesting. The gap is momentum dependent, maximum along G-Z and gradually decreases going towards G - M. Our study provides a platform to study the dynamics of CDW and its interaction with other physical orders in two- and three-dimensions.