One-Dimensional Fluctuating Nanodomains In The Charge-Transfer Molecular System Ttf-Ca And Their First-Order Crystallization

We report on the direct observation by x-ray diffuse scattering measurements of thermally induced one-dimensional nanoscale ordered fluctuations in the mixed-stack charge-transfer molecular system tetrathiafulvalene-p chloranil (TTF-CA), the prototype for the neutral-ionic phase transition. The unusual physical properties of this compound are considered to be driven by such one-dimensional excitations. The results are discussed in relation to previous experimental and theoretical experiments both at thermal equilibrium and under light irradiation.