A topological quantum pump in serpentine-shaped semiconducting narrow channels

Abstract

We propose and analyze theoretically a one-dimensional solid-state electronic setup that operates as a topological charge pump in the complete absence of superimposed oscillating local voltages. The system consists of a semiconducting narrow channel with strong Rashba spin-orbit interaction patterned in a mesoscale serpentine shape. A rotating planar magnetic field serves as the external ac perturbation, and cooperates with the Rashba spin-orbit interaction, which is modulated by the geometric curvature of the electronic channel to realize the topological pumping protocol originally introduced by Thouless in an entirely novel fashion. We expect the precise pumping of electric charges in our mesoscopic quantum device to be relevant for quantum metrology purposes.

5 pages, 5 figures

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Cited by in corpus (10)

• Electronic materials with nanoscale curved geometries
• Geometric driving of two-level quantum systems
• Study of electronic properties, Magnetization and persistent currents in a mesoscopic ring by controlled curvature
• Modifications of electron states, magnetization and persistent current in a quantum dot by controlled curvature
• Topological superconducting phases and Josephson effect in curved time-reversal-invariant superconductors
• Spin-deformation coupling in two-dimensional polar materials
• Effects of geometry on spin-orbit Kramers states in semiconducting nanorings
• Higher Chern Number States in Curved Periodic Nanowires
• Engineering Topological Nodal Line Semimetals in Rashba Spin-Orbit Coupled Atomic Chains
• Effects of curvature on the electronic states of a two-dimensional mesoscopic ring