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

Abstract

The experimental detection of Majorana zero modes represents a major open problem. In topological superconductors, scanning tunneling spectroscopy provides evidence through zero-bias conductance peaks, which can however be confused with disorder-induced Andreev states. The theory here suggests that the Majorana zero modes bound to vortices in Kitaev spin liquids offer a more favorable testing ground: the Majorana-induced conductance features found are quite distinct from those of an alternative scenario based on magnons.

Topics & Concepts