Non-Abelian Zero Modes in Fractional Quantum Hall-Superconductor Heterostructure

TL;DR

This paper explores how twist defects in fractional quantum Hall-superconductor heterostructures can host non-Abelian zero modes, revealing new topological phases with potential applications in quantum computing.

Contribution

It introduces a model for non-Abelian zero modes arising from twist defects in Abelian topological phases within heterostructures, highlighting the role of anyonic symmetries and parafermions.

Findings

Identification of non-Abelian zero modes at defects

Characterization of parafermions linked to anyonic symmetries

Impact on Josephson tunneling periodicity

Abstract

We discuss the emergence of non-Abelian zero modes from twist defects in Abelian topological phases. We consider a setup built from a fractional quantum Hall (or a fractional Chern insulator)-superconductor heterostructure, which effectively induces a phase transition, leading to a topological phase endowed with new anyonic symmetries, and accordingly supporting distinct types of zero modes at fixed filling. These defects are modeled at the interface between two copies of the same heterostructure arranged side by side, which produces counterpropagating modes that can be gapped by interactions that realize the anyonic symmetries. We characterize the parafermions associated with each anyonic symmetry and discuss how their presence affect the periodicity of Josephson tunneling current.