Coexistence of multiple stacking charge density waves in kagome superconductor CsV3Sb5

The recently discovered Kagome family AV3Sb5 (A = K, Rb, Cs) exhibits rich physical phenomena, including non-trivial topological electronic structure, giant anomalous Hall effect, charge density waves (CDW) and superconductivity. Notably, CDW in AV3Sb5 is evidenced to intertwine with its superconductivity and topology, but its nature remains elusive. Here, we combine x-ray scattering experiments and density-functional theory calculations to investigate the CDWs in CsV3Sb5 and demonstrate the coexistence of 2 x 2 x 2 and 2 x 2 x 4 CDW stacking phases. Competition between these CDW phases is revealed by tracking the temperature evolution of CDW intensities, which also manifests in different transition temperatures during warming-and cooling measurements. We also identify a meta-stable quenched state of CsV3Sb5 after fast-cooling process. Our study demonstrates the coexistence of competing CDW stackings in CsV3Sb5, offering insights in understanding the properties of this system.