Hunting for Topological Superconductivity
Understanding and imaging Cooper pairing in unconventional superconductors—particularly those exhibiting non-s-wave symmetries, finite momentum pairing, or topological characteristics—is a central challenge in quantum and condensed matter physics. These exotic states hold promise for realizing novel pairing mechanisms with direct relevance to topological quantum computation.
At Q MIND, we utilize scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) alongside electrical, thermal, and thermodynamic measurements to investigate the superconducting gap structure and in-gap states with atomic precision. Our recent studies on the kagome superconductor CsV₃Sb₅ have uncovered anomalous gapping behaviors and rich signatures of unconventional superconductivity.
By combining local probes such as STM with bulk transport and thermodynamic techniques, we aim to unravel the microscopic nature of these states and assess their potential for integration into topological superconducting devices.
Our works on Other Topological Superconductor Candidates
Surface Superconductivity and van Hove Singularity
Intertwined Topology, Superconductivity, and vHs
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Superconductivity and Anomalous Hall Effect
Cascade of Phase Transitions Induced via Pressure
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Looking Ahead
Microsoft’s current approach to building topological qubits is based on InAs–Al heterostructures with gate-defined superconducting nanowires. These platforms have demonstrated promising results, including quantum state dwell times exceeding 1 ms under in-plane magnetic fields of around 2 T. However, while effective, this system may not represent the optimal long-term material platform for scalable quantum computing.
History offers a valuable lesson. In 1947, Walter Brattain and John Bardeen built the first transistor using germanium. Yet it was not until 1954 that Morris Tanenbaum created the first silicon transistor—ushering in an era where silicon became the backbone of modern electronics, thanks to its superior scalability and manufacturability.
Similarly, while InAs–Al structures may serve as a proof of concept for topological superconductivity, they might be the "germanium" of the quantum age—not the final answer. At Q MIND, we are focused on discovering the "silicon" of topological qubits: a robust, scalable material platform capable of driving the next generation of quantum technologies.