Topological Majorana and Dirac zero modes in superconducting vortex cores

Rahul Roy

doi:10.1103/physrevlett.105.186401

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arXiv · 1001.2571

Topological Majorana and Dirac zero modes in superconducting vortex cores

Rahul Roy

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Abstract

We provide an argument based on flux insertion to show that certain superconductors with a non-trivial topological invariant have protected zero modes in their vortex cores. This argument has the flavor of a two dimensional index theorem and applies to disordered systems as well. It also provides a new way of understanding the zero modes in the vortex cores of a spinless $p_{x} + i p_{y}$ superconductor. Applying this approach to superconductors with and without time reversal and spin rotational symmetry, we predict the necessary and sufficient conditions for protected zero modes to exist in their vortices.

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Rahul Roy. 2010-01-14. Topological Majorana and Dirac zero modes in superconducting vortex cores. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.105.186401

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