Odd-frequency pair in topological superconductivity of 1D magnetic chain

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that odd-frequency Cooper pairs are generated at the edges of 1D magnetic chains hosting Majorana Fermions, with robustness against atom spacing and implications for detecting topological superconductivity.

Contribution

It reveals the generation of odd-frequency pairing in topological 1D magnetic chains and its relation to Majorana Fermions, including effects of spin configuration and spin-orbit coupling.

Findings

Odd-frequency pairs are generated at the chain edge in the presence of MFs.

The odd-frequency pairing is robust against magnetic atom spacing.

Detection of zero energy peaks indicates odd-frequency pairing presence.

Abstract

A chain of magnetic atoms with non-collinear spin configuration on a superconductor is a promising new system that can host Majorana Fermions (MFs). In this study, we clarify that in the presence of MFs, an odd-frequency Cooper pair is generated at the edge of the chain. Furthermore, it is revealed that this feature is robust against the distance between magnetic atoms. We also elucidate the close relationship between the pair amplitude of the odd-frequency pair, the parity of the wave function, and the direction of the MF spin. If Rashba-type spin-orbit coupling is included, MFs can be realized even in a collinear alignment of magnetic atoms, $i.e.$, in a ferromagnetic or anti-ferromagnetic chain on a superconductor. Then, the odd-frequency pairing is generated at the edge, similar to the non-collinear case. Based on our results, it can be concluded that the detection of the zero energy peak of the local density of states by scanning tunneling microscopy at the edge of the magnetic chain is strong evidence for the generation of odd-frequency pairing.