Charge density wave and weak Kondo effect in a Dirac semimetal CeSbTe

Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), together with density-functional theory (DFT) calculation, we report the formation of charge density wave (CDW) and its interplay with the Kondo effect and topological states in CeSbTe. The observed Fermi surface (FS) exhibits parallel segments that can be well connected by the observed CDW ordering vector, indicating that the CDW order is driven by the electron-phonon coupling (EPC) as a result of the nested FS. The CDW gap is large (similar to 0.3 eV) and momentum-dependent, which naturally explains the robust CDW order up to high temperatures. The gap opening leads to a reduced density of states (DOS) near the Fermi level (E-F), which correspondingly suppresses the many-body Kondo effect, leading to very localized 4f electrons at 20 K and above. The topological Dirac cone at the X point is found to remain gapless inside the CDW phase. Our results provide evidence for the competition between CDW and the Kondo effect in a Kondo lattice system. The robust CDW order in CeSbTe and related compounds provide an opportunity to search for the long-sought-after axionic insulator.

Automated summary

Through ARPES and LEED techniques, along with DFT calculations, it was found that CDW is formed in CeSbTe and interacts with the Kondo effect and topological states. The CDW order is driven by electron-phonon coupling, leading to robustness of the CDW order at high temperatures.