Majorana bound states in germanium Josephson junctions via phase control

Abstract

We consider superconductor-normal-superconductor-normal-superconductor (SNSNS) planar Josephson junctions in hole systems with spin-orbit interaction that is cubic in momentum (CSOI). Using only the superconducting phase difference, we find parameter regimes where junctions of experimentally achievable transparency can enter a topological superconducting phase with Majorana bound states (MBSs) at the junction ends. In planar germanium heterostructures CSOI can be the dominant form of SOI and extremely strong. We show analytically and numerically that, within experimental regimes, our results provide an achievable roadmap for a new MBS platform with low disorder, minimal magnetic fields, and very strong spin-orbit interaction, overcoming many of the key deficiencies that have so far prevented the conclusive observation of MBSs.