Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    Direct Evidence of Intrinsic Mott State and Its Layer-Parity Oscillation in a Breathing Kagome Crystal Down to Monolayer

    Huanyu Liu1,*, Wenhui Li1,2,*, Zishu Zhou3,*, Hongbin Qu1,*, Jiaqi Zhang1,*, Weixiong Hu1, Chenhaoping Wen1, Ning Wang3,†, Hao Deng1,2,‡ et al.

    Gang Li1,2,§ and Shichao Yan1,2,∥

    • *These authors contributed equally to this work.
    • †Contact author: phwang@ust.hk
    • ‡Contact author: denghao@shanghaitech.edu.cn
    • §Contact author: ligang@shanghaitech.edu.cn
    • ∥Contact author: yanshch@shanghaitech.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 076503 – Published 15 August, 2025

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/mzyy-thjq

    Abstract

    We report direct spectroscopic evidence of correlation-driven Mott states in layered Nb3Cl8 through combining scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and dynamical mean-field theory. The Hubbard bands persist down to monolayer, providing the definitive evidence for the Mottness in Nb3Cl8. While the size of the Mott gap remains almost constant across all layers, a striking layer-parity-dependent oscillation emerges in the local density of states (LDOS) between even (n=2, 4, 6) and odd layers (n=1, 3, 5), which arises from the dimerization and correlation modulation of the obstructed atomic states, respectively. Our conclusions are supported by a critical technical advance in atomic-scale LDOS mapping for highly insulating systems. This Letter provides the definitive experimental verification of correlation-driven Mott ground states in Nb3Cl8, while establishing a general protocol for investigating the interplay of electronic correlation and interlayer coupling in layered insulators by using a low-temperature STM technique.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

    Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation