Topological Superconductivity in CuxBi2Se3

Satoshi Sasaki, M. Kriener, Kouji Segawa, Keiji Yada, Yukio Tanaka, Masatoshi Sato, and Yoichi Ando
Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 217001 – Published 14 November 2011
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Abstract

A topological superconductor (TSC) is characterized by the topologically protected gapless surface state that is essentially an Andreev bound state consisting of Majorana fermions. While a TSC has not yet been discovered, the doped topological insulator CuxBi2Se3, which superconducts below 3K, has been predicted to possess a topological superconducting state. We report that the point-contact spectra on the cleaved surface of superconducting CuxBi2Se3 present a zero-bias conductance peak (ZBCP) which signifies unconventional superconductivity. Theoretical considerations of all possible superconducting states help us conclude that this ZBCP is due to Majorana fermions and gives evidence for a topological superconductivity in CuxBi2Se3. In addition, we found an unusual pseudogap that develops below 20K and coexists with the topological superconducting state.

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  • Received 2 August 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.217001

© 2011 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Satoshi Sasaki1, M. Kriener1, Kouji Segawa1, Keiji Yada2, Yukio Tanaka2, Masatoshi Sato3, and Yoichi Ando1,*

  • 1Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
  • 2Department of Applied Physics, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
  • 3Instituite for Solid State Physics, University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-8581, Japan

  • *y_ando@sanken.osaka-u.ac.jp

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Issue

Vol. 107, Iss. 21 — 18 November 2011

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