  Proposed approaches to topological quantum computation based on Majorana
bound states may enable new paths to fault-tolerant quantum computing. Several
recent experiments have suggested that the vortex cores of topological
superconductors, such as iron-based superconductors, may host Majorana bound
states at zero energy. To facilitate quantum computation with these zero-energy
vortex bound states, a precise and fast manipulation of individual vortices is
crucial. However, handling individual vortices remains a challenge, and a
theoretical framework for describing individually controlled vortex motion is
still critically needed. We propose a scheme for the use of local heating based
on scanning optical microscopy to manipulate Majorana bound states emergent in
the vortex cores of topological superconductors. Specifically, we derive the
conditions required for transporting a single vortex between two stationary
defects in the superconducting material by trapping it with a "hot spot"
generated by local optical heating. Using these critical conditions for the
vortex motion, we then establish the ideal material properties for the
implementation of our manipulation scheme, which paves the way toward the
controllable handling of zero-energy vortex bound states.
