One-dimensional topological superconductivity at the edges of twisted bilayer graphene nanoribbons

Abstract

Twisted bilayer graphene is one of the simplest van der Waals structures, and its inhomogeneous interlayer coupling can induce rich electronic properties. In twisted bilayer graphene nanoribbons (tBLGNRs), the interlayer coupling strengths are different for two ribbon edges due to the inhomogeneous bonding, which splits the edge states into two individuals in energy. The lower-energy state, localizing at the ribbon edge with the stronger interlayer coupling, is a good candidate to generate one-dimensional (1D) topological superconductivity in the presence of Rashba spin-orbit coupling, Zeeman field, and s-wave superconductivity. Majorana zero modes (MZMs) are found to be localized at both ends of this edge. The topological invariants of the system are explored by evaluating the Berry phase for infinite-length ribbons and Majorana polarization for quasi-1D ribbons, giving the same topological phase diagram. More importantly, by adjusting interlayer dislocation and uniaxial strain of tBLGNRs across the critical values, the lower-energy edge changes and 1D topological superconductivity can “jump” from one ribbon edge to the other one. Finally, by applying a gate voltage bias between bilayers or changing the interlayer distance, a MZM can transfer along the ribbon edge. The tBLGNRs provide an alternative platform to study 1D topological superconductivity and MZMs.

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