Distinguishing a Majorana zero mode using spin-resolved measurements
Abstract
Evidence for Majorana bound states (MBS), which are expected to provide a platform for topological quantum computing, has been found in several material systems. Typically, the experimental signature is a peak in the spectrum at zero energy, but mechanisms other than MBS need to be carefully ruled out. Using spin-polarized scanning tunneling spectroscopy, Jeon et al. studied chains of iron atoms deposited on superconducting lead and found a more distinctive signature of the topological states. Unlike trivial zero-energy states, MBS exhibited a characteristic spin-polarization signal.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Nov 10, 2017
- Source ID
- 10.1126/science.aan3670
Entities
People
- Ali Yazdani
- Andrei Bernevig
- Jian Li
- Sangjun Jeon
- Yonglong Xie
- Zhijun Wang
Organizations
- Army Research Office
- Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
- National Science Foundation
- Office of Naval Research
- Princeton University
- Simons Foundation
- United States Department of Energy
- Westlake University