Exact $\mathbb{Z}_2$ electromagnetic duality of $\mathbb{Z}_2$ toric code is non-Clifford
Abstract
The 2D toric code admits a global symmetry exchanging electric and magnetic quasiparticles, known as electromagnetic duality. Known realizations include lattice translation symmetry, an exact symmetry generated by a Clifford circuit, and an exact symmetry generated by a non-Clifford circuit. We show that a Clifford electromagnetic duality cannot realize an exact internal symmetry. This is proved rigorously for symmetries with coarse translation invariance by lattice units for generic odd . Therefore an exact internal electromagnetic duality must be non-Clifford, whereas generic internal Clifford realization necessarily has algebra with . Our result suggests an unexpected connection between the algebra of exact electromagnetic duality and Clifford hierarchy of circuits.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2603.28230,
title = {Exact $\mathbb{Z}_2$ electromagnetic duality of $\mathbb{Z}_2$ toric code is non-Clifford},
author = {Ryohei Kobayashi},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2603.28230},
year = {2026}
}
Comments
7 pages, 2 figures. Added a ref, minor edit