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Observation of In-Gap States in a Two-Dimensional CrI2/NbSe2Heterostructure
- Source :
- Nano Letters; August 2024, Vol. 24 Issue: 31 p9468-9476, 9p
- Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Low-dimensional magnetic structures coupled with superconductors are promising platforms for realizing Majorana zero modes, which have potential applications in topological quantum computing. Here, we report a two-dimensional (2D) magnetic-superconducting heterostructure consisting of single-layer chromium diiodide (CrI2) on a niobium diselenide (NbSe2) superconductor. Single-layer CrI2nanosheets, which hold antiferromagnetic (AFM) ground states by our first-principles calculations, were epitaxially grown on the layered NbSe2substrate. Using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, we observed robust in-gap states spatially located at the edge of the nanosheets and defect-induced zero-energy peaks inside the CrI2nanosheets. Magnetic-flux vortices induced by an external field exhibit broken 3-fold rotational symmetry of the pristine NbSe2superconductor, implying the efficient modulation of the interfacial superconducting states by the epitaxial CrI2layer. A phenomenological model suggests the existence of chiral edge states in a 2D AFM-superconducting hybrid system with an even Chern number, providing a qualitatively plausible understanding for our experimental observation.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 15306984 and 15306992
- Volume :
- 24
- Issue :
- 31
- Database :
- Supplemental Index
- Journal :
- Nano Letters
- Publication Type :
- Periodical
- Accession number :
- ejs66972108
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01848