Quantum computers hold the potential to address various social challenges, but they currently suffer from high error rates, necessitating robust error correction technologies. One promising approach is topological quantum computing, which leverages anyons—particles that are neither bosons nor fermions. The Kitaev quantum spin liquid (KSL), an exotic quantum entangled states in magnets, has emerged as a potential platform for Majorana particles that transform into anyons under an applied magnetic field. The research team focused on the spin Seebeck effect—spin current generation by thermal gradient—from spintronics to capture Majorana particles in KSL. They theoretically discovered that Majorana particles contribute to the spin current generation in KSL under a magnetic field, discovering that the spin Seebeck effect manifests due to these particles. They also demonstrated that the spin direction of Majorana particles in KSL varies based on the interaction coefficients between spins, which can be observed through spin current measurements. In addition, they showed that the dependence of generated spin current on the field direction is qualitatively different from that of conventional magnons. The study highlights the potential of spintronics methods to advance both quantum spin liquid research and topological quantum computing. The findings suggest that spin current can be used to generate and control Majorana particles, offering a promising approach for error-tolerant quantum computing.
Papers
Journal: Physical Review X
Title: Spin Seebeck Effect as a Probe for Majorana Fermions in Kitaev Spin Liquids
Authors: Yasuyuki Kato, Joji Nasu, Masahiro Sato, Tsuyoshi Okubo, Takahiro Misawa, Yukitoshi Motome
Majorana quantization and half-integer thermal quantum Hall effect in a Kitaev spin liquid
Triplon current generation in solids
