Uncovering Topological Edge States in Twisted Bilayer Graphene

Twisted bilayer graphene (t-BLG) has recently been introduced as a rich physical platform displaying flat electronic bands, strongly correlated states, and unconventional superconductivity. Studies have hinted at an unusual Z(2) topology of the moire Dirac bands of t-BLG. However, direct experimental evidence of this moire band topology and associated edge states is still lacking. Herein, using superconducting quantum interferometry, we reconstructed the spatial supercurrent distribution in t-BLG Josephson junctions and revealed the presence of edge states located in the superlattice band gaps. The absence of edge conduction in high resistance regions just outside the superlattice band gap confirms that the edge transport originates from the filling of electronic states located inside the band gap and further allows us to exclude several other edge conduction mechanisms. These results confirm the unusual moire band topology of twisted bilayer graphene and will stimulate further research to explore its consequences.

Automated summary

In this study, using superconducting quantum interferometry, edge states with unusual moire band topology were discovered in twisted bilayer graphene.