# Superconducting proximity effect and Majorana fermions at the surface of a topological insulator

**Authors:** Liang Fu, C. L. Kane  
**arXiv:** [0707.1692](https://arxiv.org/abs/0707.1692)  
**Date:** 2007-07-11  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/0707.1692v3/

## Key points

- Liang Fu and C. L. Kane investigate the proximity effect between an s-wave superconductor and the surface states of a strong topological insulator.
- The interaction results in a two-dimensional state resembling a spinless p_x+ip_y superconductor while preserving time reversal symmetry.
- Majorana bound states exist at vortices and linear junctions between superconductors mediated by the topological insulator, forming a non-chiral one-dimensional wire for Majorana fermions.
- Circuits constructed from these junctions offer a promising method for creating, manipulating, and fusing Majorana bound states.
- Findings have implications for the development of novel quantum computing platforms and other applications requiring robust and fault-tolerant qubits.
- Research provides insights into the behavior of topological insulators near superconductors and their potential for hosting exotic quasiparticles like Majorana fermions.

## Summary

In their study, Liang Fu and C. L. Kane investigate the proximity effect between an s-wave superconductor and the surface states of a strong topological insulator. They find that this interaction results in a two-dimensional state that resembles a spinless p_x+ip_y superconductor while still preserving time reversal symmetry. This unique state supports the existence of Majorana bound states at vortices and linear junctions between superconductors mediated by the topological insulator form a non-chiral one-dimensional wire for Majorana fermions. The authors propose that circuits constructed from these junctions offer a promising method for creating, manipulating, and fusing Majorana bound states. Their findings have significant implications for the development of novel quantum computing platforms and other applications in which robust and fault-tolerant qubits are desired. This research provides valuable insights into the behavior of topological insulators in proximity to superconductors and highlights their potential for hosting exotic quasiparticles such as Majorana fermions.