Non-fermi-liquid behavior in quasi-one-dimensional Li0.9Mo6O17

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Low-Dimensional Systems

Background:

• Quasi-one-dimensional conductors are of interest due to their unique electronic properties.
• The Luttinger liquid theory describes interacting electrons in one dimension.
• Understanding the electronic behavior of Li0.9Mo6O17 is crucial for exploring novel electronic states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the electronic properties of Li0.9Mo6O17 using temperature-dependent scanning tunneling spectroscopy.
• To determine if Li0.9Mo6O17 behaves as a Luttinger liquid.
• To search for evidence of a phase transition at 24 K.

Main Methods:

• Scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) was performed on Li0.9Mo6O17.
• Temperature-dependent measurements were conducted in the range of 5 to 55 K.
• STS data was analyzed using a Luttinger liquid model and a zero bias anomaly model.

Main Results:

• Low-temperature spectra exhibited a power-law behavior around the Fermi energy with an exponent of 0.6.
• The experimental data was well-fitted by the Luttinger liquid model across the measured temperature range.
• A model based on a zero bias anomaly provided a significantly poorer fit.
• No signature of a phase transition at 24 K was observed.

Conclusions:

• The results strongly support that Li0.9Mo6O17 is a clean Luttinger liquid.
• The observed power-law exponent of 0.6 is consistent with theoretical predictions for Luttinger liquids.
• The absence of a phase transition at 24 K indicates robust Luttinger liquid behavior in this temperature range.