Edge-induced pairing states in a Josephson junction through a spin-polarized quantum anomalous Hall insulator

Despite the robustness of the chiral edge modes of quantum Hall systems against the superconducting proximity effect, Cooper pairs can penetrate into the chiral edge channels and carry the Josephson current in an appropriate setup. In our work, the Josephson junction of a spin-polarized quantum anomalous Hall insulator (QAHI) with a Chern number nu = 1 connecting conventional superconductors is studied from the perspective of pairing symmetry consistent with the chiral edge mode. Induced pairing states are equal-spin triplet, a combination of the even- and odd-frequency components, nonlocally extended, and have a finite momentum 2k(F). The signature of the equal-spin triplet pairings is confirmed via the dependence on the interface-magnetization direction, and that of the finite-momentum pairing states via the width dependence of the critical current and the spatial profile of the anomalous Green's function. In the presence of disorder, the robustness of the chiral edge mode leads to high sensitivity of the critical current and the equilibrium phase difference to disorder configurations, which is resulting from the interference of current-carrying channels. The numerical calculations on a lattice model are also examined by a simplified analytical model.

Automated summary

In this study, the Josephson junction of a spin-polarized quantum anomalous Hall insulator with traditional superconductors is investigated, revealing features of equal-spin triplet pairings and confirming characteristics of finite-momentum pairing states. Additionally, in the presence of disorder, the robustness of the chiral edge mode results in high sensitivity of the critical current and equilibrium phase difference to random configurations.