Self-dual random-plaquette gauge model and the quantum toric code

We study the four-dimensional Z(2) random-plaquette lattice gauge theory as a model of topological quantum memory, the toric code in particular. In this model, the procedure of quantum error correction works properly in the ordered (Higgs) phase, and phase boundary between the ordered (Higgs) and disordered (confinement) phases gives the accuracy threshold of error correction. Using self-duality of the model in conjunction with the replica method, we show that this model has exactly the same mathematical structure as that of the two-dimensional random-bond Ising model, which has been studied very extensively. This observation enables us to derive a conjecture on the exact location of the multicritical point (accuracy threshold) of the model, p(c) = 0.889972.... and leads to several nontrivial results including bounds on the accuracy threshold in three dimensions. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.