Probing topological spin liquids on a programmable quantum simulator

Abstract

<jats:title>Synthesizing topological order</jats:title> <jats:p> Topologically ordered matter exhibits long-range quantum entanglement. However, measuring this entanglement in real materials is extremely tricky. Now, two groups take a different approach and turn to synthetic systems to engineer the topological order of the so-called toric code type (see the Perspective by Bartlett). Satzinger <jats:italic>et al</jats:italic> . used a quantum processor to study the ground state and excitations of the toric code. Semeghini <jats:italic>et al</jats:italic> . detected signatures of a toric code–type quantum spin liquid in a two-dimensional array of Rydberg atoms held in optical tweezers. —JS </jats:p>