Proximity of the layered organic conductors alpha-(BEDT-TTF)2MHg(SCN)4 (M = K,NH4) to a charge-ordering transition

While the optical properties of the superconducting salt alpha-(BEDT-TTF)(2)-NH4Hg(SCN)(4) remain metallic down to 2 K, in the nonsuperconducting K analog a pseudogap develops at frequencies of about 200 cm(-1) for temperatures T<200 K. We show that the optical conductivity calculated with exact-diagonalization techniques on an extended Hubbard model at quarter filling is consistent with the observed low-frequency feature. We argue that the different optical responses observed are a consequence of the proximity of these compounds to a charge-ordering transition driven by the intermolecular Coulomb repulsion.     

Effect of irradiation-induced disorder on the conductivity and critical temperature of the organic superconductor kappa-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu(SCN)2

We have introduced defects into clean samples of the organic superconductor kappa-(BEDT-TTF)(2)Cu(SCN)(2) in order to determine their effect on the temperature dependence of the interlayer conductivity and the critical temperature T(c). We find a violation of Matthiessen's rule that can be explained by a model of involving a defect-assisted interlayer channel which acts in parallel with the bandlike conductivity. We observe an unusual dependence of T(c) on residual resistivity, inconsistent with the generalized Abrikosov-Gor'kov theory for an order parameter with a single component, providing an important constraint on models of the superconductivity in this material.     

Reflectivity spectra of new organic metal (BEDO-TTF)5[CsHg(SCN)4]2

The polarized reflectivity and optical conductivity spectra of microcrystals of the new organic conductor (BEDO-TTF)₅[CsHg(SCN)₄]₂ based on the donor molecule bis(ethylenedioxy)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDO-TTF) have been studied in the spectral ranges 600–6500 and 9000–40000 cm^?1 at 300 K for three principal lattice directions. The optical evidence for the quasi-two-dimensional character of the conducting electronic system is obtained. The conclusion is made that the studied crystal is the quasi-two-dimensional semimetal with overlapping electron energy bands. The basic parameters of the electronic system of the crystal are determined in the framework of the Drude model. It is found that the allowed electron energy bands of the crystal are somewhat narrower than those of the previously studied structurally allied superconductor based on the same molecule. The features of vibrational structure are identified in the σ(ω) spectra for the specified three polarizations.     

De Haas-van Alphen oscillations in the quasi-two-dimensional organic metal (BEDO-TTF)5[CsHg(SCN)4]2

The magnetization oscillations in the quasi-two-dimensional organic metal (BEDO-TTF)₅[CsHg(SCN)₄]₂ are thoroughly investigated over a wide range of magnetic field directions at different temperatures down to 0.4 K. The results obtained are in good agreement with the shape and sizes of the Fermi surface calculated from the x-ray diffraction data. Apart from the fundamental frequencies, the combination frequencies are found in the magnetization oscillation spectrum. It is demonstrated that these combination frequencies are governed by the motion of charge carriers along the real closed orbits inside the network of magnetic breakdown orbits formed under the action of the magnetic field. It is uniquely established that the combination frequencies previously revealed in the magnetoresistance oscillation spectrum of the same metal are associated with the quantum interference effect. The angular dependences of the oscillation amplitude exhibit minima, which are explained by the spin splitting of the Landau levels.     

Quantum oscillations in a novel organic quasi-two-dimensional (BEDO-TTF)5[RbHg(SCN)4]2 metal

Quantum magnetization and magnetoresistance oscillations are detected in the quasi-two-dimensional organic metal (BEDO-TTF)₅[RbHg(SCN)₄]₂ for the first time. The magnetization oscillation spectrum corresponds to a calculated Fermi surface provided that a magnetic breakdown is realized. The magnetoresistance oscillation spectrum contains additional frequencies, one of which can unambiguously be related to quantum interference. An analysis of the angular dependence of the magnetoresistance oscillation amplitude indicates that the many-body interactions in this metal are weak.     

Structural and electronic properties of a new molecular conductor, α-(BEDT-TTF)2CsCd(SCN)4

Structural and electronic properties of a new BEDT-TTF based radical cation salt, α-(BEDT-TTF)₂CsCd(SCN)₄, are presented. In the measurements of the electrical resistivity and the magnetic susceptibility, this new α-type salt shows metallic behavior down to low temperature. Measurements of the resistivity under in-plane c-axial strain reveal a newly observed insulating phase, suggesting that α-(BEDT-TTF)₂CsCd(SCN)₄ is placed near an insulating phase which might have close relationships with a superconducting phase realized in α-type salts.     

Extremely slow charge fluctuations in the metallic state of the two-dimensional molecular conductor theta-(BEDT-TTF)2RbZn(SCN)4

Large charge disproportionation has been confirmed in the metallic state of a 1/4-filled organic conductor theta-(BEDT-TTF)2RbZn(SCN)4 by means of 13C-NMR analysis on a selectively 13C-enriched single crystal sample. By comparing the homogeneous and inhomogeneous linewidths, the temperature dependence of the extremely slow dynamics of charge fluctuations has been determined first. The exotic nature of the metallic state of this salt is discussed.     

On the possibility of a radical decrease in the strength of many-body interactions in the organic metal α-(BETS)<Subscript>2</Subscript> KHg(SCN)<Subscript>4</Subscript>

Behavior of the de Haas-van Alphen (dHvA) oscillations depending on the angle between the magnetic field direction and the perpendicular to conducting layers in the quasi-two-dimensional organic metal α-(BETS)₂ KHg(SCN)₄ was studied in detail. The angular dependence of the dHvA oscillation amplitude exhibits a series of minima (at ±43.2°, ±64.6°, and ±72.0°) related to the “zero spin” effect, through which it is possible to estimate the splitting factor. An analysis of this value suggests that many-body interactions in the compound studied are either absent or at least radically weakened.