Distinguishing a Majorana zero mode using spin-resolved measurements

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.

Source: ScienceNOW - November 9, 2017 Category: Science Authors: Jeon, S., Xie, Y., Li, J., Wang, Z., Bernevig, B. A., Yazdani, A. Tags: Physics reports Source Type: news