Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: Among the broad spectrum of systems predicted to exhibit topological superconductivity and Majorana fermions, one-dimensional wires with strong spin-orbit coupling provide one of the most promising experimental candidates. Here we investigate the fate of the topological superconducting phase in such wires when repulsive interactions are present. Using a combination of density matrix renormalization group, bosonization, and Hartree--Fock techniques, we demonstrate that while interactions degrade the bulk gap---consistent with recent results of Gangadharaiah et al.---they also greatly expand the parameter range over which the topological phase arises. In particular, we show that with interactions this phase can be accessed over a broader chemical potential window, thereby leading to greater immunity against disorder-induced chemical potential fluctuations in the wire. We also suggest that in certain wires strong interactions may allow Majorana fermions to be generated without requiring a magnetic field.
Source: Physical Review B
Language: English
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Awards: Exotic Quantum Phases and Criticality, CAREER: Engineering topological phases of matter in solid state systems, Density Matrix Renormalization Group Studies of Frustrated and Doped Systems, Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, Competing Orders in Frustrated Magnets and Nanostructures, G5905734738
OpenAlex ID: W1965321740