Pressure controlled transition into a self-induced topological superconducting surface state

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Phenomena

Background:

• 1T-TiSe2 exhibits unique electronic properties under pressure.
• Topological phases and superconductivity are key areas in condensed matter physics.
• Majorana fermions hold promise for fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate pressure-induced topological phase transitions in 1T-TiSe2.
• To explore the potential for topological superconductivity in 1T-TiSe2.
• To assess the feasibility of realizing Majorana fermions in this material.

Main Methods:

• Ab-initio calculations were employed to simulate material behavior.
• Analysis focused on the normal state electronic structure under varying pressure.
• Superconducting properties and surface state interactions were examined.

Main Results:

• A pressure-induced trivial-nontrivial-trivial topological phase transition was identified.
• The topological phase emerges in a pressure range overlapping with superconductivity.
• Self-induced topological superconductivity in surface states was demonstrated via proximity effect.

Conclusions:

• 1T-TiSe2 can host topological superconductivity, crucial for Majorana fermion research.
• The absence of lattice and chemical potential mismatches makes it an ideal candidate.
• Experimental realization is feasible with controlled pressure and electron doping.