A generic new platform for topological quantum computation using semiconductor heterostructures

A generic new platform for topological quantum computation using semiconductor heterostructures

12 Jan 2010 | Jay D. Sau1, Roman M. Lutchyn1, Sumanta Tewari1,2, and S. Das Sarma1
The authors propose a new platform for topological quantum computation (TQC) using a semiconductor heterostructure. They demonstrate that a semiconductor film, when induced with s-wave superconductivity and Zeeman splitting through proximity effects, supports zero-energy Majorana fermion modes in ordinary vortex excitations. Since time-reversal symmetry is broken, the edge of the film acts as a chiral Majorana wire. The proposed heterostructure, consisting of a semiconducting thin film sandwiched between an s-wave superconductor and a magnetic insulator, is a generic system suitable for TQC due to the presence of non-Abelian Majorana fermions. The theoretical model and numerical solutions are provided to support this proposal, showing that the system can exhibit a topological quantum phase transition and robust non-Abelian topological properties. The experimental implementation involves materials such as EuO, InAs, and Nb, which can be tuned to meet the required parameters for TQC. The proposed platform is simpler and more practical than previous TQC candidates, requiring no special samples or materials and operating at room temperature.The authors propose a new platform for topological quantum computation (TQC) using a semiconductor heterostructure. They demonstrate that a semiconductor film, when induced with s-wave superconductivity and Zeeman splitting through proximity effects, supports zero-energy Majorana fermion modes in ordinary vortex excitations. Since time-reversal symmetry is broken, the edge of the film acts as a chiral Majorana wire. The proposed heterostructure, consisting of a semiconducting thin film sandwiched between an s-wave superconductor and a magnetic insulator, is a generic system suitable for TQC due to the presence of non-Abelian Majorana fermions. The theoretical model and numerical solutions are provided to support this proposal, showing that the system can exhibit a topological quantum phase transition and robust non-Abelian topological properties. The experimental implementation involves materials such as EuO, InAs, and Nb, which can be tuned to meet the required parameters for TQC. The proposed platform is simpler and more practical than previous TQC candidates, requiring no special samples or materials and operating at room temperature.
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Understanding Generic new platform for topological quantum computation using semiconductor heterostructures.