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

Abstract

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

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Cited by in corpus (5)

• Observation of a Majorana zero mode in a topologically protected edge channel
• Observation of backscattering induced by magnetism in a topological edge state
• Topological crystalline insulator state with type-II Dirac fermions in transition metal dipnictides
• Detecting non-Abelian statistics of topological states on a chain of superconducting circuits
• Dynamics of a Majorana trijunction in a microwave cavity