A spatially oscillating pair potential Δ(r)=Δ_{0}e^{2iK·r} with momentum K>Δ_{0}/ℏv drives a deconfinement transition of the Majorana bound states in the vortex cores of a Fu-Kane heterostructure (a 3D topological insulator with Fermi velocity v, on a superconducting substrate with gap Δ_{0}, in a perpendicular magnetic field). In the deconfined phase at zero chemical potential the Majorana fermions form a dispersionless Landau level, protected by chiral symmetry against broadening due to vortex scattering. The coherent superposition of electrons and holes in the Majorana Landau level is detectable as a local density of states oscillation with wave vector sqrt[K^{2}-(Δ_{0}/ℏv)^{2}]. The striped pattern also provides a means to measure the chirality of the Majorana fermions.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.226801 | DOI Listing |
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!