Toward large-scale, ordered and tunable Majorana-zero-modes lattice on iron-based superconductors

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Computing

Background:

• Majorana excitations, including Majorana zero modes (MZMs), are quasiparticle analogs of Majorana fermions in solids.
• MZMs exhibit non-abelian statistics, making them crucial for fault-tolerant topological quantum computing.
• Current platforms for MZMs involve hybrid structures and specific single materials like iron-based superconductors (IBSs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent local probe studies on Majorana zero modes (MZMs).
• To discuss MZMs in various material platforms, including iron-chalcogenide and iron-pnictide superconductors.
• To highlight advancements in ordered and tunable MZM lattices for quantum applications.

Main Methods:

• Scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) is used to probe Majorana excitations.
• Review of experimental and theoretical studies on MZM platforms.
• Analysis of MZM lattice properties and tunability.

Main Results:

• MZMs manifest as zero-energy conductance peaks in STS.
• Iron-based superconductors (IBSs), particularly LiFeAs, show promise for ordered MZM lattices.
• Strain has been identified as a viable method for tuning topological superconductivity.

Conclusions:

• Recent progress in IBSs offers scalable platforms for topological quantum computation.
• Tunable MZM lattices represent a significant step towards practical quantum computing.
• Further research on Majorana excitations is essential for advancing quantum technologies.