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    Two-dimensional flat band on the UTe2(011) surface: Implication for STM measurements with a superconducting tip

    Jushin Tei1,*, Takeshi Mizushima1, and Satoshi Fujimoto1,2,3,4

    • 1Department of Materials Engineering Science, The University of Osaka, Toyonaka 560-8531, Japan
    • 2Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology, The University of Osaka, Toyonaka 560-8531, Japan
    • 3Center for Spintronics Research Network, Graduate School of Engineering Science, The University of Osaka, Toyonaka 560-8531, Japan
    • 4Division of Spintronics Research Network, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, The University of Osaka, Toyonaka 560-8531, Japan

    • *Contact author: tei@blade.mp.es.osaka-u.ac.jp

    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 UTe2, using both normal-metal and superconducting tips. Motivated by these experiments, we theoretically investigate the topological surface states on the (011) surface of UTe2. We find that a two-dimensional nearly flat band emerges in the B3u 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 s-wave superconductor and the (011) surface of UTe2. Our results provide crucial insights into the superconducting pairing symmetry realized in UTe2.

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