Interplay between pairing and correlations in spin-polarized bound states

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Materials
• Superconductivity

Background:

• Investigating defects in superconductors reveals complex quantum phenomena.
• Proximity-induced pairing and electron interactions are crucial in these systems.
• Spin-orbit coupling significantly influences magnetic impurity states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the interplay between proximity-induced pairing and interactions in superconducting hosts with defects.
• To explore the impact of spin-orbit coupling on Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states of magnetic impurities.
• To study Majorana quasiparticles in proximitized Rashba chains and their properties.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical investigation of single and multiple defects in a superconducting host.
• Analysis of spin-orbit coupling effects on energies, polarization, and spatial patterns.
• Examination of bound states in a two-dimensional square lattice and Rashba chain.

Main Results:

• Spin-orbit coupling alters energies, polarization, and spatial patterns of Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states.
• Peculiar bound states resembling Majorana quasiparticles are identified in proximitized Rashba chains.
• Leakage of polarized Majorana quasiparticles into nanoscopic regions is observed.

Conclusions:

• The study provides insights into the behavior of magnetic impurities and Majorana quasiparticles in superconducting systems.
• Understanding these phenomena is crucial for advancements in quantum computing and spintronics.
• The findings connect bound state properties to the subgap Kondo effect near phase transitions.