New Polytype of NbS3 Whiskers: from Simple to Complex

Abstract

Three samples of a quasi-one-dimensional conductor NbS₃ from the same growth batch are studied at room temperature by transmission electron microscopy. Less defective sample no. 1 and more defective sample no. 2 have been identified as known polytypes. Sample no. 3 is an unknown polytype with the lattice parameter c larger than that in all known polytypes. Electron diffraction patterns of the new polytype demonstrate four systems of satellite reflections, which indicates the formation of four charge density waves in the sample. The possibility of the formation of polytypes with a more complex structure is discussed.