Victoria AdolphusResearch on molybdenum telluride (MoTe2) reveals its potential in quantum technology by showing unique edge states and superconductivity that could help stabilize and control anyons for error-free quantum computing.
A new study highlights how a certain superconducting material demonstrates unique electron behavior at its edges, different from its interior. This could have major implications for developing efficient electrical systems and advancing quantum computing technologies.
Topological materials possess unusual properties due to their wavefunction—the physical law that guides electrons—being knotted or twisted. At the interface where topological material meets the surrounding space, the wavefunction must unwind. This sudden transition causes the electrons at the material’s edge to behave differently from those in the bulk.
Unraveling Superconductivity in Topological Materials
Topological superconductors represent a potential new class of superconductors predicted by theory. If confirmed, they will enable the next generation of quantum technologies because they contain unique particles known as anyons. Unlike electrons, anyons remember their position.
Observing Edge Supercurrents in MoTe2
When MoTe2 becomes superconducting, the supercurrent oscillates in a magnetic field. The edge supercurrent oscillates more rapidly than that in the bulk, showing up as a characteristic modulation of the bulk response.
Enhancing Pair Potential with Niobium
To enhance the glue (pair potential) in MoTe2, scientists deposited niobium (Nb) on top of it. The Nb pair potential spills into MoTe2 and the electrons in the latter feel the stronger glue for a while.
Reference:
“Edge supercurrent reveals competition between condensates in a Weyl superconductor” by Stephan Kim, Shiming Lei, Leslie M. Schoop, R. J. Cava and N. P. Ong, 11 January 2024, Nature Physics.
