Exploring exotic quantum transport phenomena in magnetic topological insulator thin films

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K13988
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 13020:Semiconductors, optical properties of condensed matter and atomic physics-related
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: Sato Yuki 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 創発物性科学研究センター, 基礎科学特別研究員 (90909219)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: トポロジカル物性 / 超伝導 / 薄膜 / 量子輸送

Outline of Final Research Achievements

When different materials are placed adjacent to each other, their electronic states can be hybridized, leading to exotic quantum phenomena. The observation and control of such electronic states are being actively researched towards possible applications in next-generation memory and computational devices. In this study, we successfully synthesized a device by layering a magnetic topological insulator and a topological superconductor, both characterized by topological properties of their electronic states. By investigating the electrical properties of this device, we revealed that the theoretical conditions for the emergence of Majorana particles in this device are satisfied.

Free Research Field

物性物理

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

薄膜合成技術を駆使することにより、物質の電子状態の制御とトポロジカル超伝導体の候補物質の合成を実証した。特に強磁性と超伝導を共存したトポロジカルなカイラル超伝導体を合成に成功した。本研究成果は今後マヨラナ粒子の検出や制御を行うための良好な物質基盤の構築へと貢献したと考えれる。