Topological Surface Superconductivity via Josephson Coupling in Bi₂Te₃/Nb.

ABSTRACT: Since discoveries of protected conducting surface states, topological superconducting qubits have enchanted quantum science as prime elements in future fault-tolerant devices, particularly those based on Josephson junctions containing topological insulators. Still, Josephson coupling is often eclipsed by other proximity effects that can dilute topological superconducting pairing at the nontrivial insulator's boundaries. Here, however, using an ultra-low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope, we detect Josephson physics in topological Bi₂Te₃ films on superconducting Nb. At low temperatures, a previously undetected proximity gap varies little with Bi₂Te₃ thickness and the density of states exhibits normal and superconducting components. Such ob

SUBMITTER: Hlevyack JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12636072 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature