Quantized conductance of Majorana zero mode in the vortex of the topological superconductor (Li0.84Fe0.16)OHFeSe

TL;DR

This paper reports the observation of quantized conductance due to Majorana zero modes in vortices of the topological superconductor (Li0.84Fe0.16)OHFeSe, providing key evidence for Majorana physics in intrinsic superconductors.

Contribution

It demonstrates quantized conductance from Majorana zero modes in vortices of an intrinsic topological superconductor using scanning tunneling spectroscopy.

Findings

Quantized conductance at zero bias as 2e^2/h.

Resonant Andreev reflection mediated by Majorana zero mode.

Confirmation of Majorana zero mode in (Li0.84Fe0.16)OHFeSe vortex cores.

Abstract

The Majorana zero mode (MZM), which manifests as an exotic neutral excitation in superconductors, is the building block of topological quantum computing. It has recently been found in the vortices of several iron-based superconductors as a zero-bias conductance peak (ZBCP) in tunneling spectroscopy. In particular, a clean and robust MZM has been observed in the cores of free vortices in (Li0.84Fe0.16)OHFeSe. Here using scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS), we demonstrate that Majorana-induced resonant Andreev reflection occurs between the STM tip and this zero-bias bound state, and consequently, the conductance at zero bias is quantized as 2e2/h. Our results present a hallmark signature of the MZM in the vortex of an intrinsic topological superconductor, together with its intriguing behavior.