Suppression of a charge density wave ground state in high magnetic fields: spin and orbital mechanisms

Abstract

The charge density wave (CDW) transition temperature in the quasi-one dimensional (Q1D) organic material of (Per)${}_2$Au(mnt)${}_2$ is relatively low (TCDW = 12 K). Hence in a mean field BCS model, the CDW state should be completely suppressed in magnetic fields of order 30 - 40 T. To explore this possibility, the magnetoresistance of (Per)${}_2$Au(mnt)${}_2$ was investigated in magnetic fields to 45 T for 0.5 K < T < 12 K. For fields directed along the Q1D molecular stacking direction, TCDW decreases with field, terminating at about ~ 37 T for temperatures approaching zero. Results for this field orientation are in general agreement with theoretical predictions, including the field dependence of the magnetoresistance and the energy gap, $\hat{I}{”}_{CDW}$. However, for fields tilted away from the stacking direction, orbital effects arise above 15 T that may be related to the return of un-nested Fermi surface sections that develop as the CDW state is suppressed. These findings are consistent with expectations that quasi-one dimensional metallic behavior will return outside the CDW phase boundary.

12 pages, 5 figures