Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: We propose a feasible route to engineer one- and two-dimensional time-reversal-invariant topological superconductors (SCs) via proximity effects between nodeless s(±) wave iron-based SCs and semiconductors with large Rashba spin-orbit interactions. At the boundary of a time-reversal-invariant topological SC, there emerges a Kramers pair of Majorana edge (bound) states. For a Josephson π junction, we predict a Majorana quartet that is protected by mirror symmetry and leads to a mirror fractional Josephson effect. We analyze the evolution of the Majorana pair in Zeeman fields, as the SC undergoes a symmetry class change as well as topological phase transitions, providing an experimental signature in tunneling spectroscopy. We briefly discuss the realization of this mechanism in candidate materials and the possibility of using s and d wave SCs and weak topological insulators.
Source: Physical Review Letters
Authors: Fan Zhang, C. L. Kane, E. J. Mele
Institution: University of Pennsylvania
Language: English
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1995147463