Topological superconductivity in full shell proximitized nanowires

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new nanowire system with a full superconducting shell that can host Majorana zero modes, potentially advancing topological quantum computing by enabling robust, experimentally feasible topological phases.

Contribution

It introduces a model of semiconductor nanowires with a full superconducting shell supporting Majorana modes, highlighting the role of spin-orbit coupling and magnetic fields in inducing topological phases.

Findings

Topological phase persists over a wide range of chemical potentials.

Majorana zero modes can be induced with weak magnetic fields.

System design is compatible with current nanowire fabrication techniques.

Abstract

We consider a new model system supporting Majorana zero modes based on semiconductor nanowires with a full superconducting shell. We demonstrate that, in the presence of spin-orbit coupling in the semiconductor induced by a radial electric field, the winding of the superconducting order parameter leads to a topological phase supporting Majorana zero modes. The topological phase persists over a large range of chemical potentials and can be induced by a predictable and weak magnetic field piercing the cylinder. The system can be readily realized in semiconductor nanowires covered by a full superconducting shell, opening a pathway for realizing topological quantum computing proposals.