Detecting a quantum critical point in topological SN junctions

ORAL

Abstract

A spin-orbit coupled quantum wire, with one end proximate to an s-wave superconductor, can become a topological superconductor, with a Majorana mode localized at each end of the superconducting region. It was recently shown that coupling one end of such a topological superconductor to two normal channels of interacting electrons leads to a novel type of frustration and a quantum critical point when both channels couple with equal strength. We propose an experimental method to access this critical point in a single quantum wire and show its resilience to disorder.

*This research was supported in part by NSERC, CIfAR and the Swiss National Science Foundation.

Authors

  • Yashar Komijani

    • Rutgers University
    • University of British Columbia and Rutgers University
  • Ian Affleck

    • University of British Columbia