Topological Josephson junctions in the integer quantum Hall regime

Abstract

Robust and tunable topological Josephson junctions (TJJs) are highly desirable platforms for investigating the anomalous Josephson effect and topological quantum computation applications. Experimental demonstrations have been done in hybrid superconducting-two dimensional topological insulator (2DTI) platforms, sensitive to magnetic disorder and interactions with phonons and other electrons. In this work, we propose a robust and electrostatically tunable TJJ by combining the physics of the integer quantum Hall (IQH) regime and of superconductors. We provide analytical insights about the corresponding Andreev bound state spectrum, the Josephson current and the anomalous current. We demonstrate the existence of protected zero-energy crossings, that can be controlled through electrostatic external gates. This electrostatic tunability has a direct advantage to compensate for non-ideal interfaces and undesirable reflections that may occur in any realistic samples. TJJs in the IQH regime could be realized in graphene and other 2D materials. They are of particular relevance towards scalable and robust Andreev-qubit platforms, and also for efficient phase batteries.

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