Odd-frequency superconducting pairing in one-dimensional systems

• Published in: The European physical journal. ST, Special topics Vol. 229; no. 4; pp. 545 - 575
• Main Authors: Cayao, Jorge, Triola, Christopher, Black-Schaffer, Annica M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 2020; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Atomic; Classical and Continuum Physics; Condensed Matter Physics; Correlation analysis; Materials Science; Measurement Science and Instrumentation; Molecular; Nanowires; New Directions in the Physics of One-dimensional Electron Systems; Optical and Plasma Physics; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Review; Spin-orbit interactions; Superconductivity; Topological insulators; Topology
• ISSN: 1951-6355; 1951-6401; 1951-6401
• DOI: 10.1140/epjst/e2019-900168-0

Odd-frequency superconductivity represents a truly unconventional ordered state which, in contrast to conventional superconductivity, exhibits pair correlations which are odd in relative time and, hence, inherently dynamical. In this review article we provide an overview of recent advances in the study of odd-frequency superconducting correlations in one-dimensional systems. In particular, we focus on recent developments in the study of nanowires with Rashba spin-orbit coupling and metallic edges of two-dimensional topological insulators in proximity to conventional superconductors. These systems have recently elicited a great deal of interest due to their potential for realizing one-dimensional topological superconductivity whose edges can host Majorana zero modes. We also provide a detailed discussion of the intimate relationship between Majorana zero modes and odd-frequency pairing. Throughout this review, we highlight the ways in which odd-frequency pairing provides a deeper understanding of the unconventional superconducting correlations present in each of these intriguing systems and how the study and control of these states holds the potential for future applications.