Real-Space Observation of Emergent Complexity of Phase Evolution in Micrometer-Sized IrTe2 Crystals

We report complex behaviors in the phase evolution of transition-metal dichalcogenide IrTe2 thin flakes, captured with real-space observations using scanning Raman microscopy. The phase transition progresses via growth of a small number of domains, which is unlikely in statistical models that assume a macroscopic number of nucleation events. Consequently, the degree of phase evolution in the thin flakes is quite variable for the selected specimen and for a repeated measurement sequence, representing the emergence of complexity in the phase evolution. in the similar to 20-mu m(3)-volume specimen, the complex phase evolution results in the emergent coexistence of a superconducting phase that originally requires chemical doping to become thermodynamically stable. These findings indicate that the complexity involved in phase evolution considerably affects the physical properties of a small-sized specimen.

Automated summary

Complex behaviors were observed in the phase evolution of transition-metal dichalcogenide IrTe2 thin flakes using scanning Raman microscopy, indicating that the degree of phase evolution can vary significantly in small-sized specimens. The emergence of a superconducting phase without chemical doping in a small-volume specimen highlights the significant impact of phase complexity on physical properties.