Weak localization competes with the quantum oscillations in a natural electronic superlattice: the case of Na1.5(PO2)4(WO3)20

Abstract

We report an investigation of the combined structural and electronic properties of the bronze Na1.5 (PO2 )4 (WO3 )20 . Its low-dimensional structure and possible large reconstruction of the Fermi surface due to charge density wave instability make this bulk material a natural superlattice with a reduced number of carriers and Fermi energy. Signatures of multilayered two-dimensional (2D) electron weak localization are consequently reported, with an enhanced influence of quantum oscillations. A crossover between these two antagonistic entities, previously observed only in genuine low-dimensional materials and devices, is shown to occur in a bulk crystal due to its hidden 2D nature.