Failed excitonic quantum phase transition in Ta${}_2$Ni(Se${}_{1-x}$S${}_x$)${}_5$

We study the electronic phase diagram of the excitonic insulator candidates Ta${}_2$Ni(Se${}_{1-x}$S${}_x$)${}_5$ [x=0, … ,1] using Raman spectroscopy. Critical excitonic fluctuations are observed, that diminish with $x$ and ultimately shift to high energies, characteristic of a quantum phase transition. Nonetheless, a symmetry-breaking transition at finite temperatures is detected for all $x$, exposing a cooperating lattice instability that takes over for large $x$. Our study reveals a failed excitonic quantum phase transition, masked by a preemptive structural order.