The metal-insulator transition in the organic conductor $β^{\prime\prime}$-(BEDT-TTF)$_{2}$Hg(SCN)$_{2}$Cl

Abstract

We explore the nature of the metal-insulator transition in $β^{\prime\prime}$-(BEDT-TTF)$_{2}$Hg(SCN)$_{2}$Cl by x-ray, electrical transport, ESR, Raman and infrared investigations. Magnetic and vibrational spectroscopy concurrently reveal a gradual dimerization along the stacking direction $a$, setting in already at the crossover temperature of 150K from the metallic to the insulating state. A spin gap $Δ_σ= 47$meV is extracted. From the activated resistivity behavior below 55K a charge gap $Δ_ρ=60$meV is derived. At $T_{\rm CO} = 72$K the C=C vibrational modes reveal the development of a charge-ordered state with a charge disproportionation of $2δ_ρ=0.34e$