Controllable creation of topological boundary states in topological insulator based Josephson corner junctions
Phys. Rev. B 112, 045430 – Published 31 July, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/m49c-7vqh
Abstract
Majorana zero modes (MZMs) in condensed-matter systems have attracted great attention in the past two decades due to their interesting physics and potential application in topological quantum computing (TQC). However, the topologically protected nature of MZMs still need more experimental verifications. In this study, we have realized controllable creation of a topological boundary state at the corner of topological insulator (TI)-based Josephson corner junctions. This state demonstrates protected existence across a broad region in parametric space and exhibits a non-2π-period but 4π-period-compatible energy-phase relation. Our study suggests that TI-based Josephson junctions, as proposed in the Fu-Kane scheme of TQC, may provide a promising platform for hosting and braiding MZMs.
