Majorana-Kondo interplay in T-shaped double quantum dots

Authors:

• Ireneusz Weymann,
• K.P. Wójcik,
• P. Majek

Abstract

The transport behavior of a double quantum dot side-attached to a topological superconducting wire hosting Majorana zero-energy modes is studied theoretically in the strong correlation regime. It is shown that Majorana modes can leak to the whole nanostructure, giving rise to a subtle interplay between the two-stage Kondo screening and the half-fermionic nature of Majorana quasiparticles. In particular, coupling to the topological wire is found to reduce the effective exchange interaction between the two quantum dots in the absence of normal leads. Interestingly, it also results in an enhancement of the second-stage Kondo temperature when the normal leads are attached. Moreover, it is shown that the second stage of the Kondo effect can become significantly modified in one of the spin channels due to the interference with the Majorana zero-energy mode, yielding low-temperature conductance equal to G=G0/4, where G0=2e2/h, instead of G=0 in the absence of the topological superconducting wire. We also identify a nontrivial spin-charge SU(2) symmetry present in the system at a particular point in parameter space, despite lack of the spin and charge conservation. Finally, we discuss the consequences of a finite overlap between two Majorana modes, as relevant for short Majorana wires. © 2020 American Physical Society. ©2020 American Physical Society.