Meier shows rare-earth ionic size determines CDW formation in ScV6Sn6, enabling a predictive model for kagome metal discovery.
William Meier, assistant professor of materials science at FAMU–FSU, will present new results showing that a charge-density-wave (CDW) in the kagome metal ScV6Sn6 is controlled by rare-earth substitution. Researchers found ScV6Sn6 is unique among its family in developing a low-temperature CDW. By replacing scandium with other rare-earth elements and measuring structural and electronic responses, Meier's team traced CDW stability to the ionic size of the substituted element. That insight led to a simple predictive model identifying which related kagome metals are likely to host CDWs. The work combines single-crystal growth, chemical substitution, x-ray and neutron scattering, and physical characterization to link atomic-scale lattice changes to emergent electronic order. Meier will discuss how the model has guided subsequent discoveries and highlighted unusual behaviors in kagome metals that could inform future quantum-materials design. Seminar: Friday, October 3, 2025, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM, AME 106. Speaker background: synthesis and scattering studies of unconventional metals and magnetic materials.