A generic new platform for topological quantum computation using semiconductor heterostructures

ORAL

Abstract

We show that a film of a semiconductor in which $s$-wave superconductivity and a Zeeman splitting are induced by proximity effect, supports zero-energy Majorana fermion modes in the ordinary vortex excitations. Since time reversal symmetry is explicitly broken, the edge of the film constitutes a chiral Majorana wire. The heterostructure we propose -- a semiconducting thin film sandwiched between an $s$-wave superconductor and a magnetic insulator -- is a generic system which can be used as the platform for topological quantum computation by virtue of the existence of non-Abelian Majorana fermions.

*This work is supported by DARPA-QuEST, Microsoft Q, JQI-NSF-PFC, and LPS-NSA. ST acknowledges DOE/EPSCoR Grant \# DE-FG02-04ER-46139 and Clemson University start up funds for support.

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Authors

  • Jay Sau

    • Condensed Matter Theory Center and Joint Quantum Institute, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
    • Condensed Matter Theory Center and Joint Quantum Institute, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA

  • Roman Lutchyn

    • University of Maryland
    • Condensed Matter Theory Center, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
    • Condensed Matter Theory Center and Joint Quantum Institute, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA

  • Sumanta Tewari

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634

  • S. Das Sarma

    • University of Maryland
    • Condensed Matter Theory Center and Center for Nanophysics and Advanced Materials, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park
    • Condensed Matter Theory Center and Joint Quantum Institute, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
    • Condensed Matter Theory Center and Joint Quantum Institute, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
    • University of Maryland, College Park
    • University of Maryland-College Park
    • Condensed Matter Theory Center, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park MD 20742-4111
    • Univ. of Maryland
    • University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
    • Condensed Matter Theory Center, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742-4111