Development and Testing of the Scanning Majorana Microscope

Majorana states in condensed matter systems have the potential to impact qubit technology for next-generation topological quantum computers. Protected by topology and particle-hole symmetry, Majoranas are insensitive to local perturbations, unlike typical qubit architectures. The Scanning Majorana Microscope is a novel technique developed to detect a unique signature of Majorana zero modes. The microscope uses a sensitive charge-sensing circuit to count individual electrons entering a metallic quantum dot on the tip of a glass scanning probe. This poster will present two key milestones that have been accomplished. The first is a demonstration of the probe's capability to count single electrons. The second milestone is confirmation that the probe can adequately perform the basic functions of a scanning tunneling microscopy tip. This includes approaching safely to within tunneling range of the sample. This capability allows for us to hybridize the quantum dot electron wavefunctions at the apex of the tip with candidate Majorana states in the sample.