Distinguishing a Majorana zero mode using spin-resolved measurements

• Autores: Sangjun Jeon, Yonglong Xie, Jian Li
• Localización: Science, ISSN 0036-8075, Vol. 358, Nº 6364, 2017, págs. 772-776
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • 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.