A theorem for the existence of Majorana fermion modes in spin-orbit-coupled semiconductors

ORAL

Abstract

We prove a theorem for the existence of Majorana zero modes in a semiconducting thin film with a sizable spin-orbit coupling when it is adjacent to a $s$-wave superconductor. The theorem, which is analogous to the Jackiw-Rebbi index theorem for the zero modes in mass domain walls in one-dimensional Dirac theory, applies to vortices with odd flux quantum in a semiconducting film in which $s$-wave superconductivity and a Zeeman splitting are induced by proximity effect. Thus the theorem proves the existence of non-degenerate zero-energy Majorana excitations and the resultant non-Abelian topological order in the proposed semiconductor heterostructure.

*Work supported by DARPA-QuEST, JQI-NSF-PFC, LPS-NSA, and DOE/EPSCoR Grant No: DE-FG02-04ER-46139

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Authors

  • Sumanta Tewari

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

  • 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

  • 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