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Ordered and tunable Majorana-zero-mode lattice in naturally strained LiFeAs
Meng Li1,2, Geng Li1,2,3,4, Lu Cao1,2
1Beijing National Center for Condensed Matter Physics and Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China.
Nature
|June 8, 2022
Summary
Researchers created an ordered lattice of Majorana zero modes (MZMs) in strained LiFeAs. This tunable MZM lattice shows potential for building topological qubits for quantum computation.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Computing
- Materials Science
Background:
- Majorana zero modes (MZMs) are key for topological quantum computation due to their non-Abelian statistics.
- Iron-based superconductors offer potential for hosting MZMs in topological vortex cores.
- Existing materials face challenges like disorder and low yield of topological vortices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation of an ordered and tunable Majorana zero mode (MZM) lattice.
- To explore the potential of strained stoichiometric LiFeAs as a host for MZMs.
- To establish a platform for future topological quantum computation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized scanning tunnelling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) to study strained LiFeAs.
- Observed charge density wave (CDW) stripes in strained regions.
- Analyzed vortex pinning on CDW stripes and MZM characteristics.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the formation of an ordered MZM lattice in strained LiFeAs.
- Observed >90% of vortices are topological, exhibiting isolated MZMs.
- Showcased tunability of MZM lattice density and geometry via magnetic field.
- Detected coupling between adjacent MZMs at reduced spacing.
Conclusions:
- Naturally strained LiFeAs provides a promising platform for ordered MZM lattices.
- The tunable MZM lattice is a significant step towards realizing topological qubits.
- This work paves the way for scalable topological quantum computation.
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