Realizing Majorana zero modes by proximity effect between topological insulators and d-wave high-temperature superconductors

Zi-Xiang Li, Cheung Chan, and Hong Yao
Phys. Rev. B 91, 235143 – Published 26 June 2015

Abstract

We theoretically study the superconducting proximity effect between a topological insulator (TI) and a high-temperature d-wave superconductor (dSC). When the TI-dSC heterostructure violates 90 rotation and certain reflection symmetries, we show that a sizable s-wave pairing, coexisting with a d-wave one, emerges in the proximity-induced superconductivity in the TI's top surface states. Weak disorder further suppresses d-wave pairing (but not s-wave pairing) in the TI's surface states. More importantly, the pairing gap in the surface states is found to be nodeless and nearly isotropic when the Fermi pocket of surface states is relatively small. Our theoretical results qualitatively explain recent experimental evidences of a nearly-isotropic pairing gap on surface states of Bi2Se3 induced by proximity to high-Tc cuprate Bi2Ca2Cu2O8+δ. We also demonstrate convincing evidence of Majorana zero modes in a magnetic hc/2e vortex core which may be detectable in future experiments.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 1 March 2014
  • Revised 1 June 2015

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.91.235143

©2015 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Zi-Xiang Li1, Cheung Chan1, and Hong Yao1,2,*

  • 1Institute for Advanced Study, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
  • 2Collaborative Innovation Center of Quantum Matter, Beijing 100084, China

  • *yaohong@tsinghua.edu.cn

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 91, Iss. 23 — 15 June 2015

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 B

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×