A Raman Spectroscopic Study of [(PbSe)1+δ]m[NbSe2]n Misfit Crystals

Misfit layered compounds are a class of materials composed of at least two layered sublattices with mismatched lattice constants which offer an avenue to merge compounds with differing and complementary properties. [(PbSe)1+δ]m[NbSe2]n is a member of the group of misfit layered compounds in which n layers of hexagonal structured, dichalcogenide NbSe2 are sandwiched between m layers of rocksalt structured, semiconducting PbSe. [(PbSe)1+δ]m[NbSe2]n samples have been studied for their superconductivity and 2-D like properties in bulk samples [1], and charge transfer in layered materials [2]. [(PbSe)1+δ]m[NbSe2]n type samples were synthesized using chemical vapour transport method and characterized using X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive x-ray analysis, magnetization and resistivity measurements. Optical properties were studied using polarization dependent Raman back scattering.

[1] Y.M. Itahashi et al. Nat. Commun. 16, 7022 (2025).

[2] Fabian Göhler et al 2018 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 30 055001