Topological phase transitions and Majorana zero modes induced by the periodic potential in an antiferromagnetic chain

Abstract

Abstract We investigate the topological properties of an antiferromagnetic (AFM) chain with an on-site periodic potential, considering the intrinsic spin–orbit coupling and an external Zeeman field along with the nanowire. Our results indicate that Majorana zero modes (MZMs) can be observed by adjusting the strength of the periodic potential. We have calculated the energy spectrum, the wave-function and transport properties, and all these results support the existence of MZMs in the AFM chain. Additionally, multiple topological phase transitions occur as the strength of the periodic potential changes, and several regions support MZMs.