Scanning tunneling spectroscopy of Majorana zero modes in a Kitaev spin liquid

Abstract

We describe scanning tunneling spectroscopic signatures of Majorana zero modes (MZMs) in Kitaev spin liquids. The tunnel conductance is determined by the dynamical spin correlations of the spin liquid, which we compute exactly, and by spin-anisotropic cotunneling form factors. Near a ${\mathbb{Z}}_2$ vortex, the tunnel conductance has a staircase voltage dependence, where conductance steps arise from MZMs and (at higher voltages) from additional vortex configurations. By scanning the probe tip position, one can detect the vortex locations. Our analysis suggests that topological magnon bound states near defects or magnetic impurities generate spectroscopic signatures that are qualitatively different from those of MZMs.

arXiv comment14 pages, 7 figures

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• Theory of quasiparticle interference in Kitaev quantum spin liquids
• Electric polarization near vortices in the extended Kitaev model
• Real-time control of non-Abelian anyons in Kitaev spin liquid under energy dissipation
• Strain-induced Landau levels of Majorana fermions in an anisotropically interacting Kitaev model on a honeycomb lattice
• Robustness of Vacancy-Bound Non-Abelian Anyons in the Kitaev Model in a Magnetic Field
• Majorana Signatures in Planar Tunneling through a Kitaev Spin Liquid