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Topological Surface Superconductivity via Josephson Coupling in Bi2Te3/Nb
Joseph A Hlevyack1,2, Syu-You Guan3, Yen-Chen Tsui3
1Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.
Nano Letters
|November 8, 2025
Summary
Researchers achieved Josephson physics in topological bismuth telluride films on niobium, enabling pure topological superconducting states for advanced quantum computing qubits.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Condensed matter physics
- Materials science
Background:
- Topological superconducting qubits are key for fault-tolerant quantum computing.
- Josephson coupling in topological insulators is often hindered by proximity effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and characterize Josephson physics in topological insulator films.
- To explore the potential for pure topological superconducting states.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an ultra-low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope.
- Investigated topological Bi2Te3 films on superconducting Nb.
Main Results:
- Detected Josephson physics in topological Bi2Te3 films on Nb.
- Observed a proximity gap with minimal thickness dependence.
- Identified normal and superconducting components in the density of states.
Conclusions:
- Josephson pair tunneling through the Bi2Te3 bulk creates a pure topological superconducting sheet.
- Findings pave the way for accessible topological superconducting states in qubits.
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