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.

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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