1
|
Wang SZ, Yu XQ, Wei LX, Wang L, Cheng QJ, Peng K, Cheng FJ, Liu Y, Li FS, Ma XC, Xue QK, Song CL. Quantum spin driven Yu-Shiba-Rusinov multiplets and fermion-parity-preserving phase transition in K 3C 60. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024; 69:1392-1399. [PMID: 38594099 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Magnetic impurities in superconductors are of increasing interest due to emergent Yu-Shiba-Rusinov (YSR) states and Majorana zero modes for fault-tolerant quantum computation. However, a direct relationship between the YSR multiple states and magnetic anisotropy splitting of quantum impurity spins remains poorly characterized. By using scanning tunneling microscopy, we systematically resolve individual transition-metal (Fe, Cr, and Ni) impurities induced YSR multiplets as well as their Zeeman effects in the K3C60 superconductor. The YSR multiplets show identical d orbital-like wave functions that are symmetry-mismatched to the threefold K3C60(1 1 1) host surface, breaking point-group symmetries of the spatial distribution of YSR bound states in real space. Remarkably, we identify an unprecedented fermion-parity-preserving quantum phase transition between ground states with opposite signs of the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy that can be manipulated by an external magnetic field. These findings can be readily understood in terms of anisotropy splitting of quantum impurity spins, and thus elucidate the intricate interplay between the magnetic anisotropy and YSR multiplets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ze Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xue-Qing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Li-Xuan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Li Wang
- Vacuum Interconnected Nanotech Workstation, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Qiang-Jun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Kun Peng
- Vacuum Interconnected Nanotech Workstation, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Fang-Jun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fang-Sen Li
- Vacuum Interconnected Nanotech Workstation, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Xu-Cun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Frontier Science Center for Quantum Information, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qi-Kun Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Frontier Science Center for Quantum Information, Beijing 100084, China; Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Can-Li Song
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Frontier Science Center for Quantum Information, Beijing 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang Y, Chen Y, Bui HT, Wolf C, Haze M, Mier C, Kim J, Choi DJ, Lutz CP, Bae Y, Phark SH, Heinrich AJ. An atomic-scale multi-qubit platform. Science 2023; 382:87-92. [PMID: 37797000 DOI: 10.1126/science.ade5050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Individual electron spins in solids are promising candidates for quantum science and technology, where bottom-up assembly of a quantum device with atomically precise couplings has long been envisioned. Here, we realized atom-by-atom construction, coherent operations, and readout of coupled electron-spin qubits using a scanning tunneling microscope. To enable the coherent control of "remote" qubits that are outside of the tunnel junction, we complemented each electron spin with a local magnetic field gradient from a nearby single-atom magnet. Readout was achieved by using a sensor qubit in the tunnel junction and implementing pulsed double electron spin resonance. Fast single-, two-, and three-qubit operations were thereby demonstrated in an all-electrical fashion. Our angstrom-scale qubit platform may enable quantum functionalities using electron spin arrays built atom by atom on a surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Center for Quantum Nanoscience, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03760, Korea
- Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Yi Chen
- Center for Quantum Nanoscience, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03760, Korea
- Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
- International Center for Quantum Materials, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Quantum Matter, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Hong T Bui
- Center for Quantum Nanoscience, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03760, Korea
- Department of Physics, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Christoph Wolf
- Center for Quantum Nanoscience, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03760, Korea
- Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Masahiro Haze
- Center for Quantum Nanoscience, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03760, Korea
- The Institute for Solid State Physics, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8581, Japan
| | - Cristina Mier
- Center for Quantum Nanoscience, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03760, Korea
- Centro de Física de Materiales CFM/MPC (CSIC-UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Jinkyung Kim
- Center for Quantum Nanoscience, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03760, Korea
- Department of Physics, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Deung-Jang Choi
- Center for Quantum Nanoscience, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03760, Korea
- Centro de Física de Materiales CFM/MPC (CSIC-UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | | | - Yujeong Bae
- Center for Quantum Nanoscience, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03760, Korea
- Department of Physics, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Soo-Hyon Phark
- Center for Quantum Nanoscience, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03760, Korea
- Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Andreas J Heinrich
- Center for Quantum Nanoscience, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03760, Korea
- Department of Physics, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nie JH, Xie T, Chen G, Zhang W, Fu YS. Moiré Enhanced Two-Band Superconductivity in a MnTe/NbSe 2 Heterojunction. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:8370-8377. [PMID: 37656911 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in creating moiré periods of two-dimensional heterostructures enable diverse and compatible tunability to modulate the conventional proximity effect involving superconductivity, magnetism, and topology. Here, by constructing a MnTe/NbSe2 heterojunction via molecular beam epitaxy growth, we report on a moiré-enhanced multiband superconductivity by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy measurements. We observe a distinct double-gap superconducting spectrum on monolayer MnTe that is absent on the NbSe2 substrate. The subgap character exhibits a moiré-related oscillation in real space, which can be well described by an effective two-band model. The restored two-gap feature and its rapid suppression under a small magnetic field are speculated to be mediated by the moiré superlattice, which is closely related to the enhanced interband coupling strength of quasiparticle scattering. Our work paves the way for engineering proximitized properties of heterostructures by a moiré landscape with spatial modulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hua Nie
- School of Physics and Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Tao Xie
- School of Physics and Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Gang Chen
- School of Physics and Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Wenhao Zhang
- School of Physics and Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Ying-Shuang Fu
- School of Physics and Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yazdani A, von Oppen F, Halperin BI, Yacoby A. Hunting for Majoranas. Science 2023; 380:eade0850. [PMID: 37347870 DOI: 10.1126/science.ade0850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, there have been considerable efforts to observe non-abelian quasiparticles in novel quantum materials and devices. These efforts are motivated by the goals of demonstrating quantum statistics of quasiparticles beyond those of fermions and bosons and of establishing the underlying science for the creation of topologically protected quantum bits. In this Review, we focus on efforts to create topological superconducting phases that host Majorana zero modes. We consider the lessons learned from existing experimental efforts, which are motivating both improvements to present platforms and the exploration of new approaches. Although the experimental detection of non-abelian quasiparticles remains challenging, the knowledge gained thus far and the opportunities ahead offer high potential for discovery and advances in this exciting area of quantum physics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Yazdani
- Joseph Henry Laboratories and Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Felix von Oppen
- Dahlem Center for Complex Quantum Systems and Fachbereich Physik, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Amir Yacoby
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gu Q, Carroll JP, Wang S, Ran S, Broyles C, Siddiquee H, Butch NP, Saha SR, Paglione J, Davis JCS, Liu X. Detection of a pair density wave state in UTe 2. Nature 2023; 618:921-927. [PMID: 37380691 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05919-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Spin-triplet topological superconductors should exhibit many unprecedented electronic properties, including fractionalized electronic states relevant to quantum information processing. Although UTe2 may embody such bulk topological superconductivity1-11, its superconductive order parameter Δ(k) remains unknown12. Many diverse forms for Δ(k) are physically possible12 in such heavy fermion materials13. Moreover, intertwined14,15 density waves of spin (SDW), charge (CDW) and pair (PDW) may interpose, with the latter exhibiting spatially modulating14,15 superconductive order parameter Δ(r), electron-pair density16-19 and pairing energy gap17,20-23. Hence, the newly discovered CDW state24 in UTe2 motivates the prospect that a PDW state may exist in this material24,25. To search for it, we visualize the pairing energy gap with μeV-scale energy resolution using superconductive scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) tips26-31. We detect three PDWs, each with peak-to-peak gap modulations of around 10 μeV and at incommensurate wavevectors Pi=1,2,3 that are indistinguishable from the wavevectors Qi=1,2,3 of the prevenient24 CDW. Concurrent visualization of the UTe2 superconductive PDWs and the non-superconductive CDWs shows that every Pi:Qi pair exhibits a relative spatial phase δϕ ≈ π. From these observations, and given UTe2 as a spin-triplet superconductor12, this PDW state should be a spin-triplet PDW24,25. Although such states do exist32 in superfluid 3He, for superconductors, they are unprecedented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiangqiang Gu
- LASSP, Department of Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Joseph P Carroll
- LASSP, Department of Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Physics, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Shuqiu Wang
- LASSP, Department of Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Sheng Ran
- Department of Physics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Christopher Broyles
- Department of Physics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hasan Siddiquee
- Department of Physics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nicholas P Butch
- Maryland Quantum Materials Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Shanta R Saha
- Maryland Quantum Materials Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Johnpierre Paglione
- Maryland Quantum Materials Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J C Séamus Davis
- LASSP, Department of Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Department of Physics, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- LASSP, Department of Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
- Stavropoulos Center for Complex Quantum Matter, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schneider L, Beck P, Rózsa L, Posske T, Wiebe J, Wiesendanger R. Probing the topologically trivial nature of end states in antiferromagnetic atomic chains on superconductors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2742. [PMID: 37173332 PMCID: PMC10182033 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38369-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spin chains proximitized by s-wave superconductors are predicted to enter a mini-gapped phase with topologically protected Majorana modes (MMs) localized at their ends. However, the presence of non-topological end states mimicking MM properties can hinder their unambiguous observation. Here, we report on a direct method to exclude the non-local nature of end states via scanning tunneling spectroscopy by introducing a locally perturbing defect on one of the chain's ends. We apply this method to particular end states observed in antiferromagnetic spin chains within a large minigap, thereby proving their topologically trivial character. A minimal model shows that, while wide trivial minigaps hosting end states are easily achieved in antiferromagnetic spin chains, unrealistically large spin-orbit coupling is required to drive the system into a topologically gapped phase with MMs. The methodology of perturbing candidate topological edge modes in future experiments is a powerful tool to probe their stability against local disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Schneider
- Department of Physics, University of Hamburg, D-20355, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philip Beck
- Department of Physics, University of Hamburg, D-20355, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Levente Rózsa
- Department of Physics, University of Konstanz, D-78457, Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Theoretical Solid State Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics and Optics, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, H-1525, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, H-1111, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Thore Posske
- I. Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Hamburg, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Luruper Chaussee 149, D-22761, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jens Wiebe
- Department of Physics, University of Hamburg, D-20355, Hamburg, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Precise atom manipulation through deep reinforcement learning. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7499. [PMID: 36470857 PMCID: PMC9722711 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35149-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Atomic-scale manipulation in scanning tunneling microscopy has enabled the creation of quantum states of matter based on artificial structures and extreme miniaturization of computational circuitry based on individual atoms. The ability to autonomously arrange atomic structures with precision will enable the scaling up of nanoscale fabrication and expand the range of artificial structures hosting exotic quantum states. However, the a priori unknown manipulation parameters, the possibility of spontaneous tip apex changes, and the difficulty of modeling tip-atom interactions make it challenging to select manipulation parameters that can achieve atomic precision throughout extended operations. Here we use deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to control the real-world atom manipulation process. Several state-of-the-art reinforcement learning (RL) techniques are used jointly to boost data efficiency. The DRL agent learns to manipulate Ag adatoms on Ag(111) surfaces with optimal precision and is integrated with path planning algorithms to complete an autonomous atomic assembly system. The results demonstrate that state-of-the-art DRL can offer effective solutions to real-world challenges in nanofabrication and powerful approaches to increasingly complex scientific experiments at the atomic scale.
Collapse
|
8
|
Li C, Homberg J, Weismann A, Berndt R. On-Surface Synthesis and Spectroscopy of Aluminum Phthalocyanine on Superconducting Lead. ACS NANO 2022; 16:16987-16995. [PMID: 36153959 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c07106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Large ordered islands of aluminum phthalocyanine (AlPc) molecules, which are unstable in air, are synthesized from ClAlPc on Pb(100) via dechlorination. Low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy reveals that isolated AlPc molecules lose their spin moment on superconducting Pb(100). Molecular magnetism, which is detected via Yu-Shiba-Rusinov (YSR) resonances, may be restored by surrounding a molecule with an array of neighbor molecules in artificial arrays or in a self-assembled monolayer. Unlike phthalocyanine (H2Pc) or lead phthalocyanine (PbPc) monolayers, where the YSR energy was found to depend strongly on the detailed configuration of the neighboring molecules, we find a similar magnetic moment on every second molecule for AlPc. In addition, YSR resonances lead to unusually high conductance peaks that are due to vibrational excitations. Twelve vibrational modes are resolved and discussed with respect to similar results from PbPc. The enhancement of the inelastic transitions is tentatively attributed to the large amplitude of the YSR resonances and the long lifetime of electrons in the molecular bound state. By assembling neighboring molecules into configurations that differ from those of the monolayer, the YSR energy may be fine-tuned, and a simple spin-state switching device is constructed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Institut für Experimentelle und Angewandte Physik, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24098 Kiel, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, 24098 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan Homberg
- Institut für Experimentelle und Angewandte Physik, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24098 Kiel, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, 24098 Kiel, Germany
| | - Alexander Weismann
- Institut für Experimentelle und Angewandte Physik, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24098 Kiel, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, 24098 Kiel, Germany
| | - Richard Berndt
- Institut für Experimentelle und Angewandte Physik, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24098 Kiel, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, 24098 Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Non-Majorana modes in diluted spin chains proximitized to a superconductor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2210589119. [PMID: 36215505 PMCID: PMC9586262 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2210589119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spin chains proximitized with superconducting condensates have emerged as one of the most promising platforms for the realization of Majorana modes. Here, we craft diluted spin chains atom by atom following a seminal theoretical proposal suggesting indirect coupling mechanisms as a viable route to trigger topological superconductivity. Starting from single adatoms hosting deep Shiba states, we use the highly anisotropic Fermi surface of the substrate to create spin chains characterized by different magnetic configurations along distinct crystallographic directions. By scrutinizing a large set of parameters we reveal the ubiquitous emergence of boundary modes. Although mimicking signatures of Majorana modes, the end modes are identified as topologically trivial Shiba states. Our work demonstrates that zero-energy modes in spin chains proximitized to superconductors are not necessarily a link to Majorana modes while simultaneously identifying other experimental platforms, driving mechanisms, and test protocols for the determination of topologically nontrivial superconducting phases.
Collapse
|
10
|
Goedecke JJ, Schneider L, Ma Y, That KT, Wang D, Wiebe J, Wiesendanger R. Correlation of Magnetism and Disordered Shiba Bands in Fe Monolayer Islands on Nb(110). ACS NANO 2022; 16:14066-14074. [PMID: 36001503 PMCID: PMC9527798 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c03965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) magnet-superconductor hybrid systems are intensively studied due to their potential for the realization of 2D topological superconductors with Majorana edge modes. It is theoretically predicted that this quantum state is ubiquitous in spin-orbit-coupled ferromagnetic or skyrmionic 2D spin-lattices in proximity to an s-wave superconductor. However, recent examples suggest that the requirements for topological superconductivity are complicated by the multiorbital nature of the magnetic components and disorder effects. Here, we investigate Fe monolayer islands grown on a surface of the s-wave superconductor with the largest gap of all elemental superconductors, Nb, with respect to magnetism and superconductivity using spin-resolved scanning tunneling spectroscopy. We find three types of islands which differ by their reconstruction inducing disorder, the magnetism and the subgap electronic states. All three types are ferromagnetic with different coercive fields, indicating diverse exchange and anisotropy energies. On all three islands, there is finite spectral weight throughout the substrate's energy gap at the expense of the coherence peak intensity, indicating the formation of Shiba bands overlapping with the Fermi energy. A strong lateral variation of the spectral weight of the Shiba bands signifies substantial disorder on the order of the substrate's pairing energy with a length scale of the period of the three different reconstructions. There are neither signs of topological gaps within these bands nor of any kind of edge modes. Our work illustrates that a reconstructed growth mode of magnetic layers on superconducting surfaces is detrimental for the formation of 2D topological superconductivity.
Collapse
|