Observation of a Majorana zero mode in a topologically protected edge channel

Jäck, Berthold; Xie, Yonglong; Li, Jian; Jeon, Sangjun; Bernevig, B. Andrei; Yazdani, Ali

doi:10.1126/science.aax1444

Title: Observation of a Majorana zero mode in a topologically protected edge channel

Journal Article · 12 June 2019 · Science

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aax1444 · OSTI ID:1529747

^[1]; Xie, Yonglong ^[1];

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^[1]

Joseph Henry Laboratories and Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
Institute for Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China., School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.

Superconducting proximity pairing in helical edge modes, such as those of topological insulators, is predicted to provide a unique platform for realizing Majorana zero modes (MZMs). We used scanning tunneling microscopy measurements to probe the influence of proximity-induced superconductivity and magnetism on the helical hinge states of bismuth(111) films grown on a superconducting niobium substrate and decorated with magnetic iron clusters. Consistent with model calculations, our measurements revealed the emergence of a localized MZM at the interface between the superconducting helical edge channel and the iron clusters, with a strong magnetization component along the edge. Our experiments also resolve the MZM’s spin signature, which distinguishes it from trivial in-gap states that may accidentally occur at zero energy in a superconductor.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0016239

OSTI ID:: 1529747

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1612437

Journal Information:: Science, Journal Name: Science Journal Issue: 6447 Vol. 364; ISSN 0036-8075

Publisher:: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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