Current-phase relation in a topological Josephson junction: Andreev bands versus scattering states

Abstract

We consider a long topological Josephson junction formed on a conducting 2D surface of a 3D topological insulator (TI). The superconducting correlations are proximity-induced by s-wave superconductors covering the surface. The 1D spacing between the coverings is either unfilled or filled by a magnetic insulator. Generally, the Josephson current mediated by the TI surface is determined by scattering modes as well as by the states localized around the junction (Andreev bound states or Andreev bands). We find out that it is crucial to take into account both contributions to determine the current--phase relation of the topological Josephson junction. We analyze the dependence of the Josephson current on the thickness of the junction as well as the deviations from the sinusoidal shape of the current--phase relation.