Electron interference as a probe of Majorana zero modes

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.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Physical review. B./Physical review. B
Published
2024-10-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.110.134503
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Topological Materials and Phenomena
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.68

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Electron interference as a probe of Majorana zero modes

Nadav Drechsler, Omri Lesser, Yuval Oreg
2 citations
Physical review. B./Physical review. B
Topological Materials and Phenomena
0.68
article

Electron interference as a probe of Majorana zero modes

Nadav Drechsler, Omri Lesser, Yuval Oreg
article en
2 citations

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.

Physical review. B./Physical review. BVol. 110(13)
Weizmann Institute of Science (IL)
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Horizon 2020
Openalex Percentile: Top 31%
Topological Materials and Phenomena
0.68
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.