High Resolution Neutron Powder Diffraction Study of CDW Transition in CuIr2Te4

CuIr2Te4 crystallizes in a disordered trigonal structure (space group P-3m1) as a quasi-two-dimensional system and exhibits coexistence of superconductivity (Tc = 2.5 K), and charge density wave transition (TCDW = 250 K). The first-principles calculations suggest that the CDW transition is not associated with Fermi surface nesting. The Ir-doping at the Te site suppresses the CDW transition and a maximum Tc of 2.95 K is seen for CuIr2Te3.9I0.1 . An interesting phase diagram from complete suppression to revival of CDW transition at higher doping level is displayed for higher x in CuIr2Te4-xIx. We propose to carry out high resolution neutron powder diffraction measurements to investigate the structural transition in CuIr2Te4 which will help us understand the origin of CDW transition and its role in developing a superconducting state. We have submitted a proposal on MuSR to investigate superconducting pairing symmetry of this material and the results from the proposed HRPD will help to write a high impact paper.