Spin-pairing correlations and spin polarization of Majorana bound states in two-dimensional topological-insulator systems

Abstract

We demonstrate that a zero-energy Majorana bound state in a ferromagnetic insulator (FI)-superconductor (SC) junction formed on the edge of a two-dimensional topological insulator exhibits three types of spin-triplet pairing correlations, its spin-polarization direction is position independent in a ferromagnetic insulator, and demonstrates a spin-helix structure in a superconductor. These spin properties of Majorana bound states lead to anomalous selective equal-spin Andreev reflection. Similar behavior is found when the coupling between two Majorana bound states in a FI-SC-FI junction is invoked, though an additional weak spin-singlet pairing correlation is generated. These signatures can readily facilitate the experimental detection of spin-triplet correlations and spin polarization of Majorana bound states.