Tuning of charge density wave transitions in LaAu$_x$Sb$_2$ by pressure and Au-stoichiometry

Abstract

Two charge density wave transition can be detected in LaAu$_x$Sb$_2$ at ~ 110 and ~ 90 K by careful electrical transport measurements. Whereas control of the Au site occupancy in LaAu$_x$Sb$_2$ (for 0.9 < x < 1.0) can suppress each of these transitions by ~ 80 K, the application of hydrostatic pressure can completely suppress the lower transition by ~ 10 kbar and the upper transition by ~ 17 kbar. Clear anomalies in the resistance as well as the magnetoresistance are observed to coincide with the pressures at which the charge density wave transitions are driven to zero.