Majorana fermions are predicted to localize at the edge of a
topological superconductor. With the goal of realizing a
one-dimensional topological superconductor, we have fabricated
ferromagnetic iron (Fe) atomic chains on the surface of
superconducting lead (Pb). Using high-resolution spectroscopic imaging
techniques, we show that the onset of superconductivity, which gaps
the electronic density of states in the bulk of the Fe chains, is
accompanied by the appearance of zero energy end states. This
spatially resolved signature provides strong evidence, corroborated by
other observations, for the formation of a topological phase and
edge-bound Majorana fermions in our atomic chains.
ScienceExpress (advance publication 2 Oct 2014).
