Charge density waves in 1T-TaS2:: an angle-resolved photoemission study

The transition metal dichalcogenide 1T-TaS2 is a layered material exhibiting charge density waves. Based on angle-resolved photoemission experiments mapping spectral weight at the Fermi surface and density functional theory calculations we discuss possible mechanisms involved with the creation of charge density waves. At first the flat parts of the elliptically shaped Fermi surface appear to play an important role via Fermi surface nesting. A closer analysis of the charge density wave induced new Brillouin zones and the possible energy balance between elastic deformation energy and electronic energy points to a more complicated scenario. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.