Majorana edge states in two atomic wires coupled by pair-hopping

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the existence of Majorana edge states in a two-wire fermionic system with pair-hopping, combining theoretical analysis and numerical methods, and discusses experimental realizations in cold atom systems.

Contribution

It introduces a number conserving model with pair-hopping that hosts Majorana edge states, supported by low energy analysis and DMRG simulations.

Findings

Majorana edge states are present in the two-wire system.

The model is realizable with cold atom gases in optical lattices.

Potential applications in quantum simulation are discussed.

Abstract

We present evidence for the existence of Majorana edge states in a number conserving theory describing a system of spinless fermions on two wires that are coupled by a pair hopping. Our analysis is based on the combination of a qualitative low energy approach and numerical techniques using the Density Matrix Renormalization Group. We also discuss an experimental realization of pair-hopping interactions in cold atom gases confined in optical lattices, and its possible alternative applications to quantum simulation.