Talk (non-conference) (Invited)

FZJ-2017-08181

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Topological Trouble: The Problem with Braiding Majoranas

DiVincenzo, D. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2017

Abstract: I will begin with a general discussion of anyons, of which Majoranas are an example. I continue with a discussion of why particle statistics in 2D can be neither bosonic nor fermionic, nor even abelian, and what it means for the charge to be fractional. A simple model of Kitaev, of electrons hopping on a branched 1D lattice with strong spin-orbit coupling and superconducting pairing, is sufficient to describe Majoranas and the gates that can be done by moving them around each other (braiding). I discuss a model calculation of the decohence of these Majorana qubits during braiding in a trijunction, due to thermally generated quasiparticles (bosonic environment). The limitations to coherence are significant; topological protection doesn't really work in this scenario. (work with Dr. Fabio Pedrocchi)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Theoretische Nanoelektronik (IAS-3)
2. Theoretische Nanoelektronik (PGI-2)

Research Program(s):

1. 144 - Controlling Collective States (POF3-144) (POF3-144)

Appears in the scientific report 2017

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