Generic New Platform for Topological Quantum Computation Using Semiconductor Heterostructures

Jay D. Sau, Roman M. Lutchyn, Sumanta Tewari, and S. Das Sarma
Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 040502 – Published 27 January 2010

Abstract

We show that a film of a semiconductor in which s-wave superconductivity and Zeeman splitting are induced by the proximity effect, supports zero-energy Majorana fermion modes in the ordinary vortex excitations. Since time-reversal symmetry is explicitly broken, the edge of the film constitutes a chiral Majorana wire. The heterostructure we propose—a semiconducting thin film sandwiched between an s-wave superconductor and a magnetic insulator—is a generic system which can be used as the platform for topological quantum computation by virtue of the existence of non-Abelian Majorana fermions.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 17 July 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.104.040502

©2010 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Jay D. Sau1, Roman M. Lutchyn1, Sumanta Tewari1,2, and S. Das Sarma1

  • 1Condensed Matter Theory Center and Joint Quantum Institute, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742-4111, USA
  • 2Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 104, Iss. 4 — 29 January 2010

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×