Localization of Toric Code Defects

Abstract

We explore the possibility of passive error correction in the toric code model. We first show that even coherent dynamics, stemming from spin interactions or the coupling to an external magnetic field, lead to logical errors. We then argue that Anderson localization of the defects, arising from unavoidable fluctuations of the coupling constants, provides a remedy. This protection is demonstrated using general analytical arguments that are complemented with numerical results which demonstrate that self-correcting memory can in principle be achieved in the limit of a nonzero density of identical defects.