One-dimensional topological chains with Majorana fermions in two-dimensional nontopological optical lattices

Abstract

The recent experimental realization of 1D equal Rashba-Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling (ERD-SOC) for cold atoms provide a disorder-free platform for the implementation and observation of Majorana fermions (MFs), similar to the well studied solid state nanowire/superconductor heterostructures. However, the corresponding 1D chains of cold atoms possess strong quantum fluctuation, which may destroy the superfluids and MFs. In this Letter, we show that such 1D topological chains with MFs may be on demand generated in a 2D non-topological optical lattice with 1D ERD-SOC by modifying local potentials on target locations using experimentally already implemented atomic gas microscopes or patterned (e.g., double or triple well) optical lattices. All ingredients in our scheme have been experimentally realized and the combination of them may pave the way for the experimental observation of MFs in a clean system.