Unconventional charge correlations in kagome metals (Online)

Abstract

In this talk, I will discuss the charge correlations in two different classes of kagome metals, each with electron fillings near saddle points in their band structures. In the first compound, CsV3Sb5, a dominant breathing mode of the kagome network drives the formation of a metastable charge density state. Charge correlations in this state undergo an unusual evolution upon tuning the carrier filling, suggesting the presence of a nearby nematic instability. In the second compound, ScV6Sn6, charge order is driven by an out-of-plane instability of the Sc-Sn chains that thread through the kagome planes. This drives a form of frustrated charge order likely responsible for the pseudogap and anomalous electronic properties reported in this material. The differing routes to charge order across multiple families of kagome metals will be discussed.