Optimized micromagnet geometries for Majorana zero modes in low g -factor materials

Solid-state experimental realizations of Majorana bound states are based on materials with strong intrinsic spin-orbit interactions. In this paper, we explore an alternative approach where spin-orbit coupling is induced artificially through a nonuniform magnetic field that originates from an array o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review. B 2020-09, Vol.102 (12), p.1, Article 125425
Main Authors: Turcotte, Sara, Boutin, Samuel, Lemyre, Julien Camirand, Garate, Ion, Pioro-Ladrière, Michel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algorithms
Mesoscopic physics
Nonuniform magnetic fields
Optimization
Spin-orbit interactions
Superconductivity
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Summary:Solid-state experimental realizations of Majorana bound states are based on materials with strong intrinsic spin-orbit interactions. In this paper, we explore an alternative approach where spin-orbit coupling is induced artificially through a nonuniform magnetic field that originates from an array of micromagnets. Using a recently developed optimization algorithm, we find suitable magnet geometries for the emergence of topological superconductivity in wires without intrinsic spin-orbit coupling. We confirm the robustness of Majorana bound states against disorder and periodic potentials whose amplitudes do not exceed the Zeeman energy. Furthermore, we identify low g-factor materials commonly used in mesoscopic physics experiments as viable candidates for Majorana devices.
ISSN:2469-9950
2469-9969
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevB.102.125425