First order density wave like transitions in surface doped Na₂IrO₃

We demonstrate that the surface of the honeycomb lattice iridate Na$_2$IrO$_3$ is extremely tunable by plasma etching. We have succeeded in turning the surface of Na$_2$IrO$_3$ metallic by Ar plasma etching which leads to the removal of Na from the surface. The surface structure does not change in this process as revealed by grazing incidence small angle x-ray scattering (GISAXS). The sheet resistance $R_s$ can be reduced by several orders of magnitude by varying the etching duration. Temperature dependent $R_s(T)$ for the metallic samples show signatures of spin or charge density wave transitions with abrupt changes in $R_s$. Thermal hysteresis between cooling and warming measurements across the transition indicates a first order transition. For the most metallic sample $R_s(T)$ data at low temperatures follow a $T^2$ behaviour suggesting normal Fermi liquid behaviour.