Abstract

Time-reversal invariance places strong constraints on the properties of the quantum spin Hall edge. One such restriction is the inevitability of dissipation in a Josephson junction between two superconductors formed on such an edge without the presence of interaction. Interactions and spin-conservation breaking are key ingredients for the realization of the dissipationless ac Josephson effect on such quantum spin Hall edges. We present a simple quantum impurity model that allows us to create a dissipationless fractional Josephson effect on a quantum spin Hall edge. We then use this model to substantiate a general argument that shows that any such nondissipative Josephson effect must necessarily be 8 pi periodic.

Publication Details
Publication Type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2017
Volume
95
DOI
10.1103/PhysRevB.95.014505
Journal
Physical Review B
Contributors