Tunneling spectroscopy of topological superconductors

TL;DR

This paper investigates how tunneling spectroscopy can detect topological superconductivity by analyzing conductance spectra influenced by edge states, Fermi surface anisotropy, and magnetic fields.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical analysis of tunneling conductance spectra to identify signatures of topological superconductivity in materials.

Findings

Edge states significantly affect tunneling conductance.

Fermi surface anisotropy alters spectral features.

Magnetic fields influence the detection of topological signatures.

Abstract

Tunneling conductance spectra of normal metal/insulator/superconductor (N/I/S) junctions are calculated to determine the potential of tunneling spectroscopy in investigations of topological superconductivity. Peculiar feature of topological superconductors is the formation of gapless edge states in them. Since the conductance of N/I/S junctions is sensitive to the formation of these edge states, topological superconductivity can be identified through edge-state detection. Herein, the effects of Fermi surface anisotropy and an applied magnetic field on the conductance spectra are analyzed to gather indications that can help to identify the topological nature of actual materials.