Majorana fermions from Landau quantization in a superconductor--topological-insulator hybrid structure

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to generate and control Majorana fermions in a superconductor-topological insulator hybrid structure by exploiting Landau quantization and Dirac-Andreev edge states, enabling new experimental studies.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to realize and manipulate Majorana fermions using Landau quantization effects in topological insulator surface states.

Findings

Majorana modes can be generated via cyclotron motion and Andreev reflection.

Tuning the chemical potential and magnetic field controls Majorana mode properties.

The setup offers a new platform for studying Majorana fermions in a controlled environment.

Abstract

We show that the interplay of cyclotron motion and Andreev reflection experienced by massless-Dirac-like charge carriers in topological-insulator surface states generates a Majorana-particle excitation. Based on an envelope-function description of the Dirac-Andreev edge states, we discuss the kinematic properties of the Majorana mode and find them to be possible to be tuned by changing the superconductor's chemical potential and/or the magnitude of the perpendicular magnetic field. Our proposal opens up new possibilities for studying Majorana fermions in a controllable setup.