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Sinai Diffusion at Quasi-1D Topological Phase Transitions
Dmitry Bagrets1, Alexander Altland1, Alex Kamenev2
1Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Straße 77, 50937 Köln, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|November 19, 2016
Summary
We discovered a new quantum transport behavior in disordered topological quantum wires. This phenomenon, a quantum Sinai diffusion, shows anomalous retardation in excitation propagation near critical points.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Mesoscopic Physics
Background:
- Topological quantum wires exhibit distinct phases characterized by topological indices.
- Understanding quantum transport at phase transitions is crucial for quantum technologies.
- Class D topological superconductors, particularly those hosting Majorana fermions, are of significant interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate critical quantum transport in disordered topological quantum wires.
- To identify and characterize a novel transport universality class at the topological phase transition.
- To provide a microscopic theory for anomalous excitation propagation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of critical quantum transport in disordered topological quantum wires.
- Focus on thermal transport in class D ("Majorana") quantum wires.
- Development of a microscopic theory to explain the observed transport phenomena.
Main Results:
- Identification of a new transport universality class characterized by anomalous retardation.
- Observation of a quantum generalization of Sinai diffusion in excitation propagation.
- Theoretical explanation for the heat propagation mechanism in topological superconductors near criticality.
Conclusions:
- The identified transport universality class has significant implications for understanding heat propagation in topological superconductors.
- Anomalous retardation in excitation propagation is a key feature near criticality in these systems.
- The developed microscopic theory provides a framework for further investigations into quantum transport phenomena.
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