Two-dimensional flat band on the surface: Implication for STM measurements with a superconducting tip
Phys. Rev. B 113, 054507 – Published 9 February, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/7rqg-nydn
Abstract
Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) measurements have been extensively performed on the easily cleavable (011) surface of , using both normal-metal and superconducting tips. Motivated by these experiments, we theoretically investigate the topological surface states on the (011) surface of . We find that a two-dimensional nearly flat band emerges in the state, giving rise to a pronounced zero-energy peak in the surface density of states. This flat band is supported by two key mechanisms: (i) nontrivial Berry phases defined at multiple momenta give rise to low-energy in-gap states, and (ii) weak spin conservation allows the gap function to acquire phase winding. Furthermore, to investigate the relation between the zero-bias peak observed in recent STM experiments with a superconducting tip and the topological surface states, we calculate the nonequilibrium dc tunneling current in a junction between an -wave superconductor and the (011) surface of . Our results provide crucial insights into the superconducting pairing symmetry realized in .