Two-dimensional p-wave superconducting states with magnetic moments on a conventional s-wave superconductor

TL;DR

This paper theoretically explores how magnetic moments on a conventional s-wave superconductor can induce unconventional p-wave superconducting states with distinct topological properties, including Majorana modes.

Contribution

It demonstrates how specific magnetic configurations can engineer p-wave states with topological features in a conventional superconductor.

Findings

Helix spins produce px + py-wave state with gap nodes.

Skyrmion crystal configuration yields px + ipy-wave state with chiral Majorana channels.

Majorana bound states appear at vortex cores in the chiral state.

Abstract

Unconventional superconductivity induced by the magnetic moments in a conventional spin-singlet s-wave superconductor is theoretically studied. By choosing the spin directions of these moments, one can design spinless pairing states appearing within the s-wave superconducting energy gap. It is found that the helix spins produce px + py-wave state while the skyrmion crystal configuration px + ipy-wave like state. Nodes in the energy gap and the zero energy flat band of Majorana edge states exist in the former one, while the chiral Majorana channels along edges of the sample and the zero energy Majorana bound state at the core of the vortex appear in the latter case.