Abstract
Yuval Oreg (Weizmann Institute, Israel)
Majoranas in wire networks
The synthesis of a quantum computer remains an ongoing challenge in modern
physics. Whereas decoherence stymies most approaches, topological quantum
computation schemes evade decoherence at the hardware level by storing
quantum information non-locally. Here we establish that a key
operation.braiding of non-Abelian anyons.can be implemented using
one-dimensional semiconducting wires. Such wires can be driven into a
topological phase supporting long-sought particles known as Majorana
fermions (Majoranas) that can encode topological qubits. We show that in
wire networks, Majoranas can be meaningfully braided by simply adjusting
gate voltages, and that they exhibit non-Abelian statistics like vortices
in a p+ip superconductor. We propose experimental set-ups that enable
probing of the Majorana fusion rules and the efficient exchange of
arbitrary numbers of Majoranas.
If time permits I will discuss novel ways of manipulation of Majoranas and
the properties of three Majorans near a Y junction.