Topological superconductivity in proximity to type-II superconductors

One-dimensional systems proximity coupled to a superconductor can be driven into a topological superconducting phase by an external magnetic field. Here, we investigate the effect of vortices created by the magnetic field in a type-II superconductor providing the proximity effect. We identify different ways in which the topological protection of Majorana modes can be compromised and discuss strategies to circumvent these detrimental effects. Our findings are also relevant to topological phases of proximitized quantum Hall edge states.

Automated summary

In this study, we investigate the effect of vortices created by an external magnetic field in a type-II superconductor on the topological superconducting phase induced by the proximity coupling of one-dimensional systems. We identify different ways in which the protection of Majorana modes can be compromised and discuss strategies to mitigate these detrimental effects, which are also relevant to topological phases of proximitized quantum Hall edge states.