Time-Reversal-Invariant Topological Superconductivity and Majorana Kramers Pairs
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.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review Letters
- Pub Date:
- August 2013
- DOI:
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1212.4232
- Bibcode:
- 2013PhRvL.111e6402Z
- Keywords:
-
- 71.10.Pm;
- 74.45.+c;
- 71.70.Ej;
- 74.78.Na;
- Fermions in reduced dimensions;
- Proximity effects;
- Andreev effect;
- SN and SNS junctions;
- Spin-orbit coupling Zeeman and Stark splitting Jahn-Teller effect;
- Mesoscopic and nanoscale systems;
- Condensed Matter - Superconductivity;
- Condensed Matter - Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics;
- Condensed Matter - Materials Science;
- Condensed Matter - Strongly Correlated Electrons
- E-Print:
- Published version: 5 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, and supplementary information