Ribbon operators in the generalized Kitaev quantum double model based on Hopf algebras

Kitaev's quantum double model is a family of exactly solvable lattice models that realize two dimensional topological phases of matter. The model was originally based on finite groups, and was later generalized to semi-simple Hopf algebras. We rigorously define and study ribbon operators in the generalized quantum double model. These ribbon operators are important tools to understand quasi-particle excitations. It turns out that there are some subtleties in defining the operators in contrast to what one would naively think of. In particular, one has to distinguish two classes of ribbons which we call locally clockwise and locally counterclockwise ribbons. Moreover, we point out that the issue already exists in the original model based on finite non-abelian groups, but it seems to not have been noticed in the literature. We show how certain common properties would fail even in the original model if we were not to distinguish these two classes of ribbons. Perhaps not surprisingly, under the new definitions ribbon operators satisfy all properties that are expected. For instance, they create quasi-particle excitations only at the end of the ribbon, and the types of the quasi-particles correspond to irreducible representations of the Drinfeld double of the input Hopf algebra. However, the proofs of these properties are much more complicated than those in the case of finite groups. This is partly due to the complications in dealing with general Hopf algebras rather than group algebras.

Automated summary

Kitaev's quantum double model is a lattice model that can realize two-dimensional topological phases. In this study, we rigorously define and study ribbon operators in the generalized quantum double model, which are important for understanding quasi-particle excitations. The distinction between locally clockwise and locally counterclockwise ribbons is crucial, and we point out that this issue also exists in the original model. We show that under the new definitions, ribbon operators satisfy all expected properties, although the proofs are more complicated than in the case of finite groups.