Kondo-like zero-bias conductance anomaly in a three-dimensional topological insulator nanowire

TL;DR

This paper investigates zero bias conductance peaks in a 3D topological insulator nanowire, attributing them to the Kondo effect, and distinguishes this from other possible causes like Majorana modes or Andreev states.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence and analysis indicating the Kondo effect as the origin of zero bias peaks in topological insulator nanowires, expanding understanding of conductance anomalies.

Findings

Zero bias peaks show logarithmic temperature dependence.

Linear splitting of peaks with magnetic fields observed.

Kondo effect identified as the likely cause.

Abstract

Zero bias anomalies in topological nanowires have recently captured significant attention, as they are possible signatures of Majorana modes. Yet there are many other possible origins of zero bias peaks in nanowires, for example, weak localization, Andreev bound states, or the Kondo effect. Here, we discuss observations of differential conductance peaks at zero bias voltage in nonsuperconducting electronic transport through a 3D topological insulator nanowire. The zero bias conductance peaks show logarithmic temperature dependence and often linear splitting with magnetic fields, both of which are signatures of the Kondo effect in quantum dots. Here, we characterize the zero bias peaks and discuss their origin.