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Inversion-Protected Higher-Order Topological Superconductivity in Monolayer WTe_{2}.
Yi-Ting Hsu1, William S Cole1, Rui-Xing Zhang1
1Condensed Matter Theory Center and Joint Quantum Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|September 11, 2020
Summary
Superconducting monolayer WTe2 hosts Majorana corner modes in both spin-triplet and unconventional equal-spin pairing phases. This discovery opens avenues for higher-order topological superconductivity and novel Majorana modes in 2D materials.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Phenomena
Background:
- Monolayer WTe2 is a quantum spin Hall insulator and becomes superconducting when gated.
- Understanding the pairing symmetry and topological properties of superconducting WTe2 is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pairing symmetry and topological nature of superconducting WTe2 using a microscopic model.
- To explore the conditions for hosting Majorana modes in this material.
Main Methods:
- Mean-field theoretical modeling of superconducting WTe2.
- Phase diagram analysis to identify different superconducting states.
- Investigation of topological properties and Majorana mode localization.
Main Results:
- Spin-triplet superconducting phases host Majorana modes at opposite corners.
- An in-plane magnetic field stabilizes an unconventional equal-spin pairing with Majorana corner modes.
- A general recipe for higher-order topological superconductors with Majorana corner modes is proposed.
Conclusions:
- Superconducting monolayer WTe2 exhibits higher-order topological superconductivity.
- It may be the first material realization of inversion-protected Majorana corner modes without proximity effects.
- The study provides experimental guidance for probing these Majorana modes.
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