Manipulation of topological superconductivity and hunt for Majorana zero modes using unconventional spin texture systems
Abstract
Thin film heterostructure of superconductors in proximity with non-collinear magnetic textures, such as skyrmions, can prove to be experimentally suitable for engineering topological superconductivity. Such unconventional magnetic structures can induce spatially inhomogeneous Rashba spin#orbit interactions that offer unprecedented opportunities to introduce spin-triplet correlation and to generate a rich phase diagram of topological superconductivity. Currently, much of the experimental activity in topological superconductivity is limited to the realization of superconductor proximity effect in high spin-orbit 1-D nanowires or 2-D electron gas layers,without the incorporation of the physics of magnetic textures. The former research program has found it difficult to probe topological superconductivity and the hunt for Majorana fermions is actively pursued. Experimentally, the latter scheme utilizing magnetic textures is not realized. Research activity in this direction offers the benefit of external tunability of the topological phase by generating skyrmion states in applied magnetic field. The broken time-reversal symmetry arising from the presence of magnetic moments, the band topology, and the particle#hole symmetry of the superconducting state, together makes the system conceptually rich and experimentally rewarding.In this proposal, we shall work with the above scheme that can revolutionize our fundamental understanding oftopological superconductors in the quest for Majorana fermions and in the development of topological braiding strategies for quantum computing applications. The first year will involve preparation and detailed characterization (structural, magnetic and electronic) of high quality heterostructure layers of different magnetic texture materials, established in our group, with s-wave superconductor films. In the subsequent years, novel device schemes involving interferometer geometry using planar Josephson junctions will be employed to investigate the spin-triplet physics and the emergence of topological phase transitions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 02, 2024
- Source ID
- N629092312049
Entities
People
- Karthik Venkataraman
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy