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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 772-776 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 358 |
Issue number | 6364 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 10 2017 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- General