Shadows of Anyons

Abstract: The eigenvalue structure of the quantum transfer matrix is known to encode essential information about the elementary excitations. Here we study transfer matrices of quantum states in a topological phase using the tensor network formalism. We demonstrate that topological quantum order requires a particular type of `symmetry breaking' for the fixed point subspace of the transfer matrix, and relate physical anyon excitations to domain wall excitations at the level of the transfer matrix. A topological phase transition to a trivial phase triggers a change in the fixed point subspace to either a larger or smaller symmetry and we explain how this relates to a condensation or confinement of the corresponding anyon sectors. The tensor network formalism enables us to determine the structure of the topological sectors in two-dimensional gapped phases very efficiently, therefore opening novel avenues for studying fundamental open questions related to anyon condensation.