Towards the Kitaev model with quantum dot chains in semiconductor nanowires

We experimentally explore whether chains of quantum dots in semiconductor nanowires can be used to emulate important one-dimensional Hamiltonians such as Kitaev model that describes a topological p-wave superconductor. In our devices, quantum dots are electrostatically confined in an InSb nanowire by an array of closely spaced narrow gates. Quantum dots are coupled to NbTiN superconducting leads. We study transport properties and magneto-spectroscopy of Andreev bound states in these quantum dots with magnetic fields parallel to the nanowire axis. Up to three quantum dots and three superconducting contacts are defined in a single nanowire. We compare results from quantum dot chain experiments to those of experiments on closely related Majorana nanowires.