Proximity Effect in SSH-Superconductor Junction
Analysis
This paper investigates the interaction between a superconductor and a one-dimensional topological insulator (SSH chain). It uses functional integration to model the interaction and analyzes the resulting quasiparticle excitation spectrum. The key finding is the stability of SSH chain states within the superconducting gap for bulk superconductors, contrasted with the finite lifetimes induced by phase fluctuations in lower-dimensional superconductors. This research is significant for understanding the behavior of topological insulators in proximity to superconductors, which is crucial for potential applications in quantum computing and other advanced technologies.
Key Takeaways
- •Investigates the interaction between a superconductor and an SSH chain (1D topological insulator).
- •Uses functional integration to model the interaction and analyze the quasiparticle excitation spectrum.
- •Finds stability of SSH chain states within the superconducting gap for bulk superconductors.
- •Identifies finite lifetimes due to phase fluctuations in lower-dimensional superconductors.
- •Relevant for understanding topological insulators in proximity to superconductors and potential applications.
“The paper finds that for bulk superconductors, the states of the chain are stable for energies lying inside the superconducting gap while in lower-dimensional superconductors phase fluctuations yield finite temperature-dependent lifetimes even inside the gap.”