Unconventional superlattice ordering in intercalated transition metal dichalcogenide V$_{1/3}$NbS$_2$

TL;DR

This study reveals that V$_{1/3}$NbS$_2$ can form two distinct superlattice structures with different magnetic and electronic properties, opening new avenues for engineering topologically nontrivial phases in layered materials.

Contribution

It demonstrates the controlled synthesis of two novel superlattice structures in V$_{1/3}$NbS$_2$, including a previously unobserved semimetallic noncollinear antiferromagnetic phase.

Findings

One superlattice is metallic with altermagnetic properties.

The other superlattice is a semimetallic noncollinear antiferromagnet.

Unconventional superlattice structures can be engineered in intercalated transition metal dichalcogenides.

Abstract

The interplay between symmetry and topology in magnetic materials makes it possible to engineer exotic phases and technologically useful properties. A key requirement for these pursuits is achieving control over local crystallographic and magnetic structure, usually through sample morphology (such as synthesis of bulk crystals versus thin-films) and application of magnetic or electric fields. Here we show that V$_{1/3}$NbS$_2$ can be crystallized in two ordered superlattices, distinguished by the periodicity of out-of-plane magnetic intercalants. Whereas one of these structures is metallic and displays the hallmarks of altermagnetism, the other superlattice, which has not been isolated before in this family of intercalation compounds, is a semimetallic noncollinear antiferromagnet that may enable access to topologically nontrivial properties. This observation of an unconventional superlattice structure establishes a powerful route for tailoring the tremendous array of magnetic and electronic behaviors hosted in related materials.