Controllable Majorana vortex states in iron-based superconducting nanowires

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Computing

Background:

• Confirming the existence of Majorana zero modes (MZMs) is essential for developing topological quantum computing.
• Manipulating MZMs requires a platform enabling control within a broad topological nontrivial parameter space.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel iron-based superconducting nanowire system for realizing and manipulating Majorana vortex states.
• To investigate the conditions for a radius-induced topological phase transition in these nanowires.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical proposal of an iron-based superconducting nanowire system.
• Analysis of radius-induced topological phase transitions.
• Characterization of Majorana zero mode properties and wave function distribution.

Main Results:

• The proposed system exhibits a radius-induced topological phase transition, establishing a lower bound for nanowire radius.
• In the topological phase, a single pair of MZMs exists across a wide parameter range (radius, chemical potential, magnetic field).
• MZMs display a significant wave function distribution at the nanowire's side edge, enabling controlled interactions.

Conclusions:

• The iron-based superconducting nanowire system provides a viable platform for manipulating MZMs.
• The edge-localized wave function of MZMs facilitates control for Majorana fusion and braiding.
• This work paves the way for experimental verification of non-Abelian braiding statistics.