1D topological chains with Majorana fermions in 2D non-topological optical lattices

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to generate 1D topological chains hosting Majorana fermions within 2D non-topological optical lattices using existing experimental techniques, potentially enabling observation of MFs in clean systems.

Contribution

It introduces a scheme to create 1D topological chains with Majorana fermions in 2D optical lattices by local potential modifications, leveraging experimentally realized components.

Findings

Feasible scheme for Majorana fermion generation in optical lattices.

Utilization of existing experimental tools like atomic gas microscopes.

Potential for observing Majorana fermions in disorder-free systems.

Abstract

The recent experimental realization of 1D equal Rashba-Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling (ERD-SOC) for cold atoms provide a disorder-free platform for the implementation and observation of Majorana fermions (MFs), similar to the well studied solid state nanowire/superconductor heterostructures. However, the corresponding 1D chains of cold atoms possess strong quantum fluctuation, which may destroy the superfluids and MFs. In this Letter, we show that such 1D topological chains with MFs may be on demand generated in a 2D non-topological optical lattice with 1D ERD-SOC by modifying local potentials on target locations using experimentally already implemented atomic gas microscopes or patterned (e.g., double or triple well) optical lattices. All ingredients in our scheme have been experimentally realized and the combination of them may pave the way for the experimental observation of MFs in a clean system.