Large Kohn anomaly and phonon collapse induced by charge density wave in UPt$_2$Si$_2$

TL;DR

This study reveals a strong electron-phonon interaction in UPt$_2$Si$_2$, where phonon softening and collapse near the charge density wave transition are driven by electronic instabilities, evidenced by inelastic x-ray scattering.

Contribution

It provides direct experimental evidence of phonon anomalies and electron-phonon coupling associated with charge density wave formation in UPt$_2$Si$_2$, highlighting its status as a strongly correlated electron system.

Findings

Observation of phonon softening and damping near T$_{ m{CDW}}$

Identification of a Kohn anomaly at Q$_{ m{CDW}}$

Phonon collapse indicating strong electron-phonon coupling

Abstract

Using high-energy-resolution inelastic x-ray scattering, we observe anomalous softening and damping of the transverse acoustic phonon in UPt$_2$Si$_2$ as the system is cooled towards the charge density wave (CDW) transition temperature, T$_{\rm{CDW}}$. The phonon exhibits a marked Kohn-type anomaly around the CDW wave vector, Q$_{\rm{CDW}}$, and becomes overdamped within a finite momentum range already well above T$_{\rm{CDW}}$. The dispersion anomaly is consistent with potential Fermi surface nesting, which together with the extended phonon collapse indicate strong electron-phonon coupling. The transition temperature estimated from the phonon softening is markedly lower than T$_{\rm{CDW}}$, consistent with a primarily electronic instability rather than a phonon-driven transition. Our results establish UPt$_2$Si$_2$ as a prime example of a strongly correlated electron CDW system with exceptionally strong electron-phonon coupling driving phonon softening and collapse.