We propose a feasible route to engineer one- and two-dimensional time-reversal-invariant topological superconductors (SCs) via proximity effects between nodeless $s_{\pm }$ wave iron-based SCs and semiconductors with large Rashba spin-orbit interactions. At the boundary of a time-reversal-invariant topological SC, there emerges a Kramers pair of Majorana edge (bound) states. For a Josephson $\pi$ junction, we predict a Majorana quartet that is protected by mirror symmetry and leads to a mirror fractional Josephson effect. We analyze the evolution of the Majorana pair in Zeeman fields, as the SC undergoes a symmetry class change as well as topological phase transitions, providing an experimental signature in tunneling spectroscopy. We briefly discuss the realization of this mechanism in candidate materials and the possibility of using $s$ and $d$ wave SCs and weak topological insulators.

• Received 31 December 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.056402