Towards Majorana Non-Abelian Statistics in Planar Josephson Junctions

by Prof. Tong Zhou(周通) (Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo)

Wednesday 20 May 2026, 10:00 → 11:00 Asia/Shanghai

Tsung-Dao Lee Institute/N4F-N400 - meeting room (Tsung-Dao Lee Institute)

Host: Prof. Fanqi Yuan

Venue: TDLI Meeting Room N400

Tencent meeting link:  https://meeting.tencent.com/dm/lFAYJTnQox5U 

Meeting ID:  346508963, no password

 

Abstract:

Majorana zero modes (MZMs) are promising building blocks for fault-tolerant quantum computing, but their defining non-Abelian statistics remain experimentally unprobed. In this talk, I will present our proposals for demonstrating MZM non-Abelian statistics through fusion and braiding protocols in planar Josephson junctions (PJJs). I will first show how fusion and braiding can be implemented in conventional PJJs using gate or flux control under an appropriately oriented magnetic field [1], and how geometric design extends this scheme to arbitrary field directions [2]. I will then discuss how altermagnets can eliminate the need for external magnetic fields, enabling symmetry-driven electric control of MZMs [3-5]. Finally, I will introduce a skyrmion-based platform that removes the requirements of both magnetic field and spin-orbit coupling and enables scalable braiding [6]. Together with dynamical simulations and experimental observations in fabricated InAs/Al JJs, these results establish a flexible and experimentally feasible route toward topological quantum computing.

 

References:

[1] T. Zhou*, et al, PRL 124, 137001 (2020); Nat. Commun. 13, 1738 (2022).

[2] R. Huang, T. Zhou*, et al, arXiv:2504.20031.

[3] X. Duan, T. Zhou*, et al, PRL 134, 106801 (2025) [PRL Collection, Editors’ Suggestion, Featured in Physics]. 

[4] Z. Zhu, T. Zhou*, et al, PRL 136, 186702 (2026) [Editors’ Suggestion, Featured in Physics].

[5]W. Tu, T. Zhou*, et al, Electrical control of MZM in Altermagnetic JJs, unpublished

[6] X. Chen, T. Zhou*, et al, MZM Braiding with Skyrmion control, unpublished. 

 

Biography:

Dr. Tong Zhou is an Associate Professor at the Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, and an adjunct Ph.D. advisor at SJTU and USTC. He earned his Ph.D. from Fudan University and previously served as a Research Assistant Professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo. His research focuses on quantum materials, quantum computing, and spintronics. He has published more than 60 papers with over 4,000 citations, including more than 20 first- or corresponding-author papers in leading journals such as PRL (5), Nat. Mater. (1), and Nat. Commun. (2). Some of his work has been recognized as PRL Editors’ Suggestions and Annual Collections, and has been featured by prominent science media, including Physics, Phys.org, and Global Science. In recognition of his contributions, he has received the NSFC Excellent Young Scholars Award and the Zhejiang Distinguished Young Scholars Award.