Charge order and superconductivity in kagome materials

Superconductivity and ordered states formed by interactions-both of which could be unconventional-have recently been observed in a family of kagome materials. Lattice geometry, topological electron behaviour and the competition between different possible ground states all play a role in determining the properties of materials with a kagome lattice structure. In particular, the compounds KV3Sb5, CsV3Sb5 and RbV3Sb5 all feature a kagome net of vanadium atoms. These materials have recently been shown to exhibit superconductivity at low temperature and an unusual charge order at high temperature, revealing a connection to the underlying topological nature of the band structure. We highlight these discoveries, place them in the context of wider research efforts in topological physics and superconductivity, and discuss the open problems for this field.

Automated summary

Superconductivity and ordered states have been observed in a family of kagome materials, with lattice geometry, topological electron behavior, and competition between ground states playing key roles in determining material properties. The compounds KV3Sb5, CsV3Sb5, and RbV3Sb5 exhibit a kagome net of vanadium atoms, showing superconductivity at low temperatures and unusual charge order at high temperatures, connecting to the underlying topological nature of the band structure. This highlights the importance of these discoveries in the context of wider research efforts in topological physics and superconductivity, while also discussing open problems in this field.