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Alternative paths to realize Majorana Fermions in Superconductor-Ferromagnet Heterostructures
G Livanas1, M Sigrist2, G Varelogiannis3
1Department of Physics, National Technical University of Athens, GR-15780, Athens, Greece.
Scientific Reports
|April 20, 2019
Summary
Researchers demonstrate a new method to create Majorana fermions (MFs) for topological quantum computation. This approach uses a quartet coupling rule to induce p-wave pairing, bypassing the need for exotic materials or strong spin-orbit coupling.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Information Science
Background:
- Local decoherence is a major challenge for quantum computation.
- Topological quantum computation offers a solution using non-local information storage, often involving Majorana fermions (MFs).
- Generating MFs typically requires spin-triplet p-wave superconductors, which are rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore an alternative method for engineering Majorana fermions (MFs).
- To investigate inducing p-wave pairing in superconductors without exotic materials.
- To enable robust MFs in superconductor-ferromagnet heterostructures.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a novel quartet coupling rule for field interactions.
- Applying coexisting Zeeman fields and charge currents.
- Investigating superconductor-ferromagnet heterostructures.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the induction of p-wave pairing in the presence of singlet superconductivity.
- Showcased a method to engineer Majorana fermions (MFs) using common materials.
- Opened possibilities for MFs in various heterostructures, not limited to 1D.
Conclusions:
- The quartet coupling rule provides a viable pathway for generating MFs.
- This method circumvents the need for rare intrinsic p-wave superconductors or strong spin-orbit coupling.
- Facilitates the development of robust topological quantum computation.
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