Degeneracy lifting of zero energy (Majorana) modes in a chiral p-wave superconductor due to the tunneling between vortices.

ORAL

Abstract

We study lifting of the degeneracy of the zero energy (Majorana) modes in a chiral $p_x+ip_y$ superconductor caused by tunneling between states localized in two different vortex cores. Using Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations, we analytically calculate the energy splitting of the Majorana modes as a function of the distance between two vortices. Our result may have applications in testing Majorana state by tunneling spectroscopy and the realization of topological quantum computation in chiral p-wave superconductors.

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Authors

  • Meng Cheng

    University of Maryland

  • Roman Lutchyn

    Condensed Matter Theory Center (CMTC) and Joint Quantum Institute (JQI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, Condensed Matter Theory Center (CMTC) and Joint Quantum Institute (JQI), Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, University of Maryland

  • Victor Galitski

    University of Maryland, Condensed Matter Theory Center, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, University of Maryland, College Park

  • Sankar Das Sarma

    Condensed Matter Theory Center, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, University of Maryland, University of Maryland, College Park, Condensed Matter Theory Center, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park MD 20742