Holographic imaging of the complex charge density wave order parameter

Combining real space and reciprocal space analysis of scanning tunneling microscopy images of transition metal dichalcogenides, we obtain real space maps of the amplitude, phase and periodicity of the complex charge density wave (CDW) order parameter. These maps show that the CDW in these materials consist of up to three coexisting unidirectional CDWs, each with its own defect and phase domain structure.

This publication is the subject of a Synopsis in Physics.