Coexistence of multiple stacking charge density waves in kagome superconductor CsV_{3}Sb_{5}

Abstract

The recently discovered Kagome family AV_{3}Sb_{5} (A = K, Rb, Cs) exhibits rich physical phenomena, including non-trivial topological electronic structure, giant anomalous Hall effect, charge density waves (CDW) and superconductivity. Notably, CDW in AV_{3}Sb_{5} is evidenced to intertwine with its superconductivity and topology, but its nature remains elusive. Here, we combine x-ray scattering experiments and density-functional theory calculations to investigate the CDWs in CsV_{3}Sb_{5} and demonstrate the coexistence of 2×2×2 and 2×2×4 CDW stacking phases. Competition between these CDW phases is revealed by tracking the temperature evolution of CDW intensities, which also manifests in different transition temperatures during warming- and cooling measurements. We also identify a meta-stable quenched state of CsV_{3}Sb_{5} after fast-cooling process. Our study demonstrates the coexistence of competing CDW stackings in CsV_{3}Sb_{5}, offering insights in understanding the properties of this system.