Detecting a Majorana-Fermion Zero Mode Using a Quantum Dot

Understand

We propose an experimental setup for detecting a Majorana zero mode consisting of a spinless quantum dot coupled to the end of a p-wave superconducting nanowire.

• The Majorana bound state at the end of the wire strongly influences the conductance through the quantum dot: Driving the wire through the topological phase transition causes a sharp jump in the conductance by a factor of 1/2.
• In the topological phase, the zero temperature peak value of the dot conductance (i.e.
• when the dot is on resonance and symmetrically coupled to the leads) is e^2/2h.