Detecting and Distinguishing Majorana Zero Modes with the Scanning Tunneling Microscope

Abstract

The goal of creating topologically protected qubits using non-Abelian anyons is currently one of the most exciting areas of research in quantum condensed matter physics. Majorana zero modes (MZM), which are non-Abelian anyons predicted to emerge as localized zero energy states at the ends of one-dimensional topological superconductors, have been the focus of these efforts. In the search for experimental signatures of these novel quasi-particles in different material platforms, the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) has played a key role. The power of high-resolution STM techniques is perhaps best illustrated by their application in identifying MZM in one-dimensional chains of magnetic atoms on the surface of a superconductor. In this platform, STM spectroscopic mapping has demonstrated the localized nature of MZM zero-energy excitations at the ends of such chains, while experiments with superconducting and magnetic STM tips have been used to uniquely distinguish them from trivial edge modes. Beyond the atomic chains, STM has also uncovered signatures of MZM in two-dimensional materials and topological surface and boundary states, when they are subjected to the superconducting proximity effect. Looking ahead, future STM experiments can advance our understanding of MZM and their potential for creating topological qubits, by exploring avenues to demonstrate their non-Abelian statistics.