When both superconductivity and magnetism coexist, Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states emerge, which can be used as building blocks to promote Majorana modes suitable for topological quantum computing. We make graphene superconducting with Pb islands (blue triangles). At the same time, we introduce magnetic moments using naturally existing graphene grain boundaries (outlined by arrows). Our experiments show that when both superconductivity and magnetism coexist in graphene, exotic Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states emerge.
ADVANCED MATERIALS 33, 2008113 (2021) Cover Article

Superconductivity induced on graphene by proximity

Our STS experiments show that superconductivity can be induced in graphene in graphene by the proximity coupling with adsorbed nanometer sized Pb islands.

First observation of Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states in graphene

Our results reveal the very special nature of these YSR states and constitute an unequivocal demonstration of carbon magnetism at graphene grain boundaries, as Anderson’s theorem precludes the existence of in-gap states if time reversal symmetry is preserved