Landau theory of charge-density waves in transition-metal dichalcogenides

Abstract

A Landau theory is proposed for charge-density waves (CDW) in transition-metal dichalcogenides with the charge density as an order parameter. The theory predicts the sequence of phases, normal-state---incommensurate-CDW---commensurate-CDW with decreasing temperature, separated by first-order phase transitions. The peaks in charge density lie at "lattice sites" of a hexagonal crystal and for the incommensurate case the theory predicts phononlike distortions of the CDW "lattice" as well as dislocations. Impurities pin the charge density wave, broaden the phase transitions, and stabilize the incommensurate state relative to the commensurate state.