The charge density wave (CDW) formation mechanisms in 2D and quasi-2D systems are still highly debated. Here, the authors combine time-resolved ARPES and ab initio calculations to map the free energy functional in the prototypical CDW compound 1T-TaSe2 concluding that the CDW state is driven by structural rather than electronic instabilities.
- C. J. Sayers
- Y. Zhang
- E. Carpene
