Pseudogap and Charge Density Waves in Two Dimensions

Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy we demonstrate that a normal-state pseudogap exists above T(N-IC) in one of the most studied two-dimensional charge-density wave (CDW) dichalcogenides 2H-TaSe(2). The initial formation of the incommensurate CDW is confirmed as being driven by a conventional nesting instability, which is marked by a pseudogap. The magnitude, character, and anisotropy of the 2D-CDW pseudogap bear considerable resemblance to those seen in superconducting cuprates.