Charge fluctuations in the unconventional metallic state of Li0.9Mo6O17.

Charge fluctuations in the quasi-one-dimensional material Li0.9Mo6O17 are analyzed based on a multiorbital extended Hubbard model. A charge-ordering transition induced by Coulomb repulsion is found with a particular charge-ordering pattern. The metallic phase is characterized by the presence of a charge collective mode which softens signaling the proximity to the charge order transition. We argue that the scattering between electrons mediated by these charge fluctuations can lead to non-Fermi liquid behavior in a quasi-one-dimensional system consistent with the unconventional metallic behavior observed above the superconducting transition in Li0.9Mo6O17. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]