Weak localization competes with the quantum oscillations in a natural electronic superlattice: the case of Na$_{1.5}$(PO$_2$)$_4$(WO$_3$)$_{20}$

Abstract

We report an investigation of the combined structural and electronic properties of the bronze Na$_{1.5}$(PO$_{2}$)$_{4}$(WO$_{3}$)$_{20}$. Its low dimensional structure and possible large reconstruction of the Fermi surface due to charge density wave instability makes this bulk material a natural superlattice with a reduced number of carriers and Fermi energy. Signatures of multilayered 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.