Topological order in random interacting Ising-Majorana chains stabilized by many-body localization

We numerically explore Z2-symmetric random interacting Ising-Majorana chains at high energy. A very rich phase diagram emerges with two topologically distinct many-body localization (MBL) regimes separated by a much broader thermal phase than previously found. This is a striking consequence of the avalanche theory. We further find MBL spin-glass order always associated to a many-body spectral pairing, presumably signaling a strong zero mode operator which opens fascinating perspectives for MBL-protected topological qubits.

Automated summary

By numerically exploring Z2-symmetric random interacting Ising-Majorana chains at high energy, we have discovered a very rich phase diagram with a much broader thermal phase separating two topologically distinct many-body localization (MBL) regimes than previously known. Additionally, we have found that MBL spin-glass order is always associated with many-body spectral pairing, potentially indicating the presence of a strong zero mode operator, opening up fascinating prospects for MBL-protected topological qubits.