Two phase transitions driven by surface electron doping in WTe2
Phys. Rev. B 102, 121110(R) (2020)
Materials’ structure and function are intimately connected, whereby one material can yield multiple emergent electronic phases when it assumes different crystal structures. We drive a structural phase transition with continuous electron doping, image the effects on electronic band structure, and provide microscopic understanding of this process via first principles calculations, hereby demonstrating a new pathway for structural phase transitions in multifunctional 2D materials such as WTe2. This is a paradigm material for realizing giant magnetoresistance, topological states, and Majorana Fermions, which are affected by fine-tuning of electronic occupation. We demonstrate how this fine tuning can stabilize unexpected structural changes.
Congratulations to Antonio!