X-Ray Diffuse Scattering Study of Some (TMTSF)2X and (TMTTF)2X Salts

Abstract

X-ray diffuse scattering experiments on the superconducting salts (TMTSF)₂X with X = PF₆, AsF₆ and ClO₄ reveal no charge density wave instability, in contrast with the poorly conducting (TMTTF)₂PF₆ salt. New structural phase transitions coinciding with conductivity anomalies are found in (TMTSF)₂NO₃, (TMTSF)₂ReO₄, and (TMTTF)₂ClO₄. It is suggested that they correspond to order-disorder transitions involving the non-centrosymmetric counter ions. Relationships between these structural instabilities and superconductivity are also discussed.