Non-Abelian parafermions in time-reversal-invariant interacting helical systems

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

  • Christoph P. Orth - , Universität Basel (Autor:in)
  • Rakesh P. Tiwari - , Universität Basel (Autor:in)
  • Tobias Meng - , Professur für Theoretische Festkörperphysik, Universität Basel, Technische Universität Dresden (Autor:in)
  • Thomas L. Schmidt - , Universität Basel, University of Luxembourg (Autor:in)

Abstract

The interplay between bulk spin-orbit coupling and electron-electron interactions produces umklapp scattering in the helical edge states of a two-dimensional topological insulator. If the chemical potential is at the Dirac point, umklapp scattering can open a gap in the edge state spectrum even if the system is time-reversal invariant. We determine the zero-energy bound states at the interfaces between a section of a helical liquid which is gapped out by the superconducting proximity effect and a section gapped out by umklapp scattering. We show that these interfaces pin charges which are multiples of e/2, giving rise to a Josephson current with 8π periodicity. Moreover, the bound states, which are protected by time-reversal symmetry, are fourfold degenerate and can be described as Z4 parafermions. We determine their braiding statistics and show how braiding can be implemented in topological insulator systems.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummer081406
FachzeitschriftPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Jahrgang91
Ausgabenummer8
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 25 Feb. 2015
Peer-Review-StatusJa