Theory of quasiparticle interference in Kitaev quantum spin liquids

TL;DR

This paper investigates how quasiparticle interference patterns in the Kitaev quantum spin liquid can reveal fractionalized excitations like Majorana fermions, providing a potential experimental method for identifying such exotic states.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical framework for analyzing QPI in the Kitaev QSL, linking tunneling conductance features to fractionalized particles and suggesting experimental detection strategies.

Findings

QPI patterns reveal signatures of Majorana fermions, visons, and chargons.

Tunneling conductance can directly measure single-spinon density of states.

QPI serves as a promising experimental probe for fractionalized excitations in Kitaev QSL.

Abstract

We study quasiparticle interference (QPI) in the Kitaev quantum spin liquid (QSL) for electrons tunneling into the QSL. The local tunneling conductance around a spin vacancy or localized vison reveals unique features associated with fractionalized Majorana fermions, chargons, and visons. In certain parameter regimes, the single-spinon density of states and momentum dispersion can both be directly extracted from the tunneling conductance. Our results suggest that QPI is a promising tool for identifying the Kitaev QSL and its fractionalized excitations.