Abstract
The cross-sectional dimensions of nanowires set the quantization conditions for the electronic subbands they host. These can be used as a platform to realize one-dimesional topological superconductivity. Here we develop a protocol that forces such nanowires to kink and change their growth direction. Consequently, a thin rectangular nanoplate is formed, which gradually converges into a very thin square tip. We characterize the resulting tapered nanowires structurally and spectroscopically by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy and model their growth. A unique structure composed of ordered rows of atoms on the (110) facet of the nanoflag is further revealed by atomically resolved topography and modeled by simulations. We discuss possible advantages tapered InAs nanowires offer for Majorana zero-mode realization and manipulation.
Highlights
Among the proposals to realize such Majorana zero modes (MZMs), an approach based on semiconducting nanowires (NWs) with strong spin−orbit coupling subject to a Zeeman field and the superconducting proximity effect has received particular attention
Kinked InAs NWs were grown by Au-assisted vapor−liquid− solid (VLS) molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on the (001) plane, which produced rounded reclining NWs that emerged in two opposite ⟨111⟩ directions
-called nanoflag, InAs NWs that host an atomicscale superstructure on their surfaces are presented
Summary
Majorana zero modes (MZMs) at the ends of one-dimensional (1D) topological superconductors are expected to exhibit nontrivial braiding statistics,[1,2] opening a path toward topologically protected quantum computing.[3,4] Among the proposals to realize such MZMs, an approach based on semiconducting nanowires (NWs) with strong spin−orbit coupling subject to a Zeeman field and the superconducting proximity effect has received particular attention. Merging inclined NWs into intersections and more complex networks is much more straightforward.[11−13] it was shown that the tilt angle assists the side coating of the NWs and intersections by a superconducting metal.[13] This allows the even coverage of multiple arms of the coated NW intersection.[13,14] On the (001) substrate, inclined InAs NWs can emerge only in two different ⟨111⟩ directions, making this substrate suitable for the formation of regular NW networks This is due to faceting by the Au-induced formation of microcraters with two mirror-symmetric opposite {111}B side facets.[15]. Calculations even predict enhanced topological protection in planar quasi-1D channels with a periodically modulated width.[16]
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