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Bringing order through disorder: localization of errors in topological quantum memories
James R Wootton1, Jiannis K Pachos
1School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.
Physical Review Letters
|August 16, 2011
Summary
Anderson localization protects topological quantum information. By considering disorder in the toric code, we show it enables quantum memories to tolerate errors and remain stable, enhancing fault tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Physics
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Information Science
Background:
- Anderson localization describes motion suppression in quantum systems due to disorder.
- Topological quantum information encoding offers inherent error protection.
- The toric code is a prominent model for topological quantum memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Anderson localization in topological models for quantum information protection.
- To analyze the impact of disorder on the error tolerance of the toric code.
- To demonstrate the stabilization of topological quantum memories through disorder-induced localization.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of Anderson localization within the toric code model.
- Investigation of anyonic quantum walks in the presence of disorder and magnetic fields.
- Quantification of the critical anyon density for memory stability.
Main Results:
- Disorder in the toric code induces Anderson localization.
- This localization counteracts the destabilizing effect of anyonic quantum walks caused by magnetic fields.
- The toric code can tolerate a finite critical anyon density, ensuring memory stability over extended periods.
Conclusions:
- Anderson localization is a crucial mechanism for enhancing fault tolerance in topological quantum memories.
- Inherent disorder in physical realizations of topological systems can strengthen quantum memory stability.
- This work highlights a pathway to robust quantum information storage using topological protection enhanced by disorder.
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