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Pairing Obstructions in Topological Superconductors

ORAL

Abstract

The modern understanding of topological insulators is based on Wannier obstructions in position space. This insight suggests that there should also be a position space perspective on topological superconductors. For a proximitized nanowire, I will explain in what sense particle-hole symmetry implies that Cooper pairs are weakly paired in the topological phase. At the same time, this regime is captured by a quantized separation of Majorana pairing centers from the atomic positions. I will apply our results to diagnose second-order topological superconductors in two dimensions. Our work establishes a vantage point for the generalization of topological quantum chemistry to superconductivity.

Presenters

  • Frank Schindler

    Princeton University, University of Zurich

Authors

  • Frank Schindler

    Princeton University, University of Zurich

  • Barry Bradlyn

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Physics, University of Illinois, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA, Department of Physics and Institute for Condensed Matter Theory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaigm

  • Mark Fischer

    Universität Zürich, Univ of Zurich, University of Zurich, Department of Physics, University of Zurich

  • Titus Neupert

    University of Zurich, Universität Zürich, Department of Physics, University of Zurich, Univ of Zurich, Physics, University of Zurich