Topological superconductivity in Rashba semiconductors without a Zeeman field

TL;DR

This paper proposes new hybrid Rashba semiconductor devices that can host Majorana fermions without a Zeeman field, using magnetic fluxes, supercurrents, or electric fields for control, enhancing experimental feasibility.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to realize topological superconductivity in Rashba semiconductors without Zeeman fields, utilizing existing InAs-2DEG platforms with device designs for Majorana detection.

Findings

Topological phase diagram shows quantum criticality and multiple phases.

Devices can host 1 or 2 Majorana fermions per edge.

Zero-bias peaks indicate Majorana presence.

Abstract

In this manuscript I present new hybrid devices based on multi-wire/channel Rashba semiconductors, which harbor Majorana fermions (MFs) without a Zeeman field. In contrast, magnetic fluxes, supercurrents or electric fields can be employed, yielding an enhanced device manipulability. The generic topological phase diagram for two-nanowire/channel systems exhibits features of quantum criticality and a rich interplay of phases with 0, 1 or 2 MFs per edge. The most prominent and experimentally feasible implementation relies on the already existing platforms of InAs-2DEG on top of a Josephson junction. Appropriate design of the latter device allows phases with 1 or 2 MFs, both detectable in zero-bias anomaly peaks with a single or double unit of conductance.