Electron interference as a probe of Majorana zero modes

Nadav Drechsler, Omri Lesser, Yuval Oreg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Detecting Majorana zero modes (MZMs) in topological superconductors remains challenging, as localized nontopological states can mimic MZM signatures. Here, we propose electron interferometry by nonlocal transport measurements as a definitive probe to distinguish MZMs from nontopological states. We develop an analytical minimal model showing that interference of electrons passing through two MZMs in parallel exhibits a robust pattern, in contrast to a nontopological system. We then numerically confirm this using various topological superconductor models. We find that MZMs are characterized by an interference pattern that is insensitive to various perturbations, such as electrostatic gate potential, and resilient to disorder. Our proposed interferometry approach offers an experimentally accessible means to detect MZMs, probing their underlying nature through a universal response.

Original languageEnglish
Article number134503
Number of pages8
JournalPhysical Review B
Volume110
Issue number13
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Oct 2024

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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