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Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Determining Membrane Protein Topology Using Fluorescence Protease Protection FPP
Published on: April 20, 2015
Observation of a Majorana zero mode in a topologically protected edge channel
Berthold Jäck1, Yonglong Xie1, Jian Li2,3
1Joseph Henry Laboratories and Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
Abstract:
Superconducting proximity pairing in helical edge modes, such as those of topological insulators, is predicted to provide a unique platform for realizing Majorana zero modes (MZMs). We used scanning tunneling microscopy measurements to probe the influence of proximity-induced superconductivity and magnetism on the helical hinge states of bismuth(111) films grown on a superconducting niobium substrate and decorated with magnetic iron clusters. Consistent with model calculations, our measurements revealed the emergence of a localized MZM at the interface between the superconducting helical edge channel and the iron clusters, with a strong magnetization component along the edge. Our experiments also resolve the MZM's spin signature, which distinguishes it from trivial in-gap states that may accidentally occur at zero energy in a superconductor.
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