Distinguishing a Majorana zero mode using spin-resolved measurements

Sangjun Jeon, Yonglong Xie, Jian Li, Zhijun Wang, B. Andrei Bernevig, Ali Yazdani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

221 Scopus citations

Abstract

One-dimensional topological superconductors host Majorana zero modes (MZMs), the nonlocal property of which could be exploited for quantum computing applications. We use spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy to show that MZMs realized in self-assembled Fe chains on the surface of Pb have a spin polarization that exceeds that stemming from the magnetism of these chains. This feature, captured by our model calculations, is a direct consequence of the nonlocality of the Hilbert space of MZMs emerging from a topological band structure. Our study establishes spin-polarization measurements as a diagnostic tool to distinguish topological MZMs from trivial in-gap states of a superconductor.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)772-776
Number of pages5
JournalScience
Volume358
Issue number6364
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 10 2017

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

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