Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
09:00
Experimental Methods for Spin- and Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy Combined with Polarization-Variable Laser
Published on: June 28, 2018
Odd-parity pairing and topological superconductivity in a strongly spin-orbit coupled semiconductor
Satoshi Sasaki1, Zhi Ren, A A Taskin
1Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan.
Physical Review Letters
|December 11, 2012
Summary
Researchers found evidence for topological superconductivity in Sn(1-x)In(x)Te, suggesting odd-parity pairing is key for realizing Majorana fermions and topological quantum computation.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Computing
Background:
- Topological superconductors are predicted to host Majorana fermions for quantum computation.
- Cu(x)Bi(2)Se(3) is a known example, but material discovery is challenging.
- A guiding principle for finding new topological superconductors is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Sn(1-x)In(x)Te for topological superconductivity.
- To identify potential mechanisms for topological superconductivity in novel materials.
Main Methods:
- Point-contact spectroscopy experiments were performed on Sn(1-x)In(x)Te.
- Theoretical analysis was used to interpret experimental results.
- Surface Andreev bound states were investigated.
Main Results:
- Experiments suggest Sn(1-x)In(x)Te exhibits surface Andreev bound states.
- These states provide evidence for odd-parity pairing.
- This indicates potential topological superconductivity in Sn(1-x)In(x)Te.
Conclusions:
- Sn(1-x)In(x)Te is a promising candidate for topological superconductivity.
- Odd-parity pairing, driven by strong spin-orbit coupling, appears to be a common mechanism.
- This finding aids the search for new materials for topological quantum computation.
Related Concept Videos
03:06The Pauli Exclusion Principle
The arrangement of electrons in the orbitals of an atom is called its electron configuration. We describe an electron configuration with a symbol that contains three pieces of information:
01:20Spin–Spin Coupling: Two-Bond Coupling (Geminal Coupling)
Two NMR-active nuclei bonded to a central atom can be involved in geminal or two-bond coupling. Geminal coupling is commonly seen between diastereotopic protons in chiral molecules and unsymmetrical alkenes, among others.
The central atom need not be NMR-active because its electrons are affected by the electron polarization of the spin-active atoms. However, spin information is transmitted less effectively than in one-bond coupling, and 2J values are usually weaker than 1J values. The energy of...
The central atom need not be NMR-active because its electrons are affected by the electron polarization of the spin-active atoms. However, spin information is transmitted less effectively than in one-bond coupling, and 2J values are usually weaker than 1J values. The energy of...
02:42Valence Bond Theory
Coordination compounds and complexes exhibit different colors, geometries, and magnetic behavior, depending on the metal atom/ion and ligands from which they are composed. In an attempt to explain the bonding and structure of coordination complexes, Linus Pauling proposed the valence bond theory, or VBT, using the concepts of hybridization and the overlapping of the atomic orbitals. According to VBT, the central metal atom or ion (Lewis acid) hybridizes to provide empty orbitals of suitable...
01:17Spin–Spin Coupling: One-Bond Coupling
Coupling interactions are strongest between NMR-active nuclei bonded to each other, where spin information can be transmitted directly through the pair of bonding electrons. While nuclei polarize their electrons to the opposite spins, the bonding electron pair has opposite spins. Configurations with antiparallel nuclear spins are expected to be lower in energy. When coupling makes antiparallel states more favorable, J is considered to have a positive value. The one-bond coupling constant, 1J,...
01:03Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin State Overview
NMR-active nuclei have energy levels called 'spin states' that are associated with the orientations of their nuclear magnetic moments. In the absence of a magnetic field, the nuclear magnetic moments are randomly oriented, and the spin states are degenerate. When an external magnetic field is applied, the spin states have only 2 + 1 orientations available to them. A proton with = ½ has two available orientations. Similarly, for a quadrupolar nucleus with a nuclear spin value of one, the...
01:22Spin–Spin Coupling: Three-Bond Coupling (Vicinal Coupling)
Vicinal or three-bond coupling is commonly observed between protons attached to adjacent carbons. Here, nuclear spin information is primarily transferred via electron spin interactions between adjacent C‑H bond orbitals. This generally favors the antiparallel arrangement of spins, so 3J values are usually positive.
The extent of coupling depends on the C‑C bond length, the two H‑C‑C angles, any electron-withdrawing substituents, and the dihedral angle between the involved orbitals. The...
The extent of coupling depends on the C‑C bond length, the two H‑C‑C angles, any electron-withdrawing substituents, and the dihedral angle between the involved orbitals. The...