Topological phases of strongly-interacting time-reversal invariant topological superconducting chains under a magnetic field

Abstract

Using the density-matrix renormalization group, we determine the different topological phases and low-energy excitations of a time-reversal invariant topological superconducting (TRITOPS) wire with extended s-wave superconductivity, Rashba spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and on-site repulsion $U$, under an externally applied Zeeman field $J$. For the case in which $J$ is perpendicular to the SOC, the model describes a chain of Shiba impurities on top of a superconductor with extended superconductor pairing. We identify the different topological phases of the model at temperature $T=0$, and in particular study the stability of the TRITOPS phase against the Zeeman field $J$ and the chemical potential $\mu$, for different values of $U$. In the case where the magnetic field $J$ is perpendicular to the SOC axis, the pair of Kramers-degenerate Majorana zero modes at the edges of the system that exist for $J=0$, remain degenerate until a critical value of the magnetic field is reached. For $J$ parallel to the SOC and up to moderate values of $U$, the fractional spin projection $⟨S_y⟩=1/4$ at the ends, found for non-interacting wires at $U=0$, is recovered. In addition, the analytic expression that relates $⟨S_y⟩$ with $J$ for finite non-interacting chains is shown to be universal up to moderate values of $U$.

8 pages, 8 figures

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