Large Kohn anomaly and phonon collapse induced by charge density wave in UPt${}_2$Si${}_2$

Using high-energy-resolution inelastic x-ray scattering, we observe anomalous softening and damping of the transverse acoustic phonon in UPt${}_2$Si${}_2$ as the system is cooled towards the charge density wave (CDW) transition temperature, T${}_{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{D}\mathrm{W}}$. The phonon exhibits a marked Kohn-type anomaly around the CDW wave vector, Q${}_{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{D}\mathrm{W}}$, and becomes overdamped within a finite momentum range already well above T${}_{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{D}\mathrm{W}}$. The dispersion anomaly is consistent with potential Fermi surface nesting, which together with the extended phonon collapse indicate strong electron-phonon coupling. The transition temperature estimated from the phonon softening is markedly lower than T${}_{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{D}\mathrm{W}}$, consistent with a primarily electronic instability rather than a phonon-driven transition. Our results establish UPt${}_2$Si${}_2$ as a prime example of a strongly correlated electron CDW system with exceptionally strong electron-phonon coupling driving phonon softening and collapse.