A model for phase transitions in Tetrathiafulvalene-Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TTF-TCNQ)

The observed phase transitions in Tetrathiafulvalene-Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TTF-TCNQ) are discussed using a simple model for the interchain coupling of charge density waves. Estimates based on Coulomb energies show that for 38 K < T < 49 K the components $\text{q}{}_{\mathrm{x}}\text{=}\text{π}\text{a}\text{+ q′}{}_{\mathrm{x}}$ and q_z of the wave vector associated with the charge density wave satisfy $\text{q}{}_{\mathrm{z}}\text{c}\text{q′}{}_{\mathrm{x}}\text{a?0.1}$, with $\text{q′}{}_{\mathrm{x}}\text{a～(T}{}_2\text{? T)}{}^{\mathrm{<mtext>1</mtext><mtext>2</mtext>}}$ and T₂ = 49 K. A possible mechanism for the first order transition at 38 K is proposed. The results are compared with neutron and X-ray scattering and with isotope shifts of the transition temperatures.