I have just started reading about string net models. The following aspect
wasn't entirely clear to me:
String net models are most naturally defined on trivalent networks,
that is to say networks where we attach 3 "legs" to each "point" of the lattice.
The model is then fully specified by defining the string types, branching rules
(the "$N_{ij}^{k}$") and the orientation of the strings.
While this approach appears natural (especially based on what I have read
on Tensor categories) most of the "simplest" String net models
(such as the $Z_2$ Kitaevs Toric Code or more generically the $Z_N$ Wen Plaquette Model) can also be defined on square lattices where we seem to have 4 "legs" attached to each "point".
I was wondering how and whether one can always "reduce" a String net model
on an arbitrary N-valent lattice (N "legs" attached to each "point") to a String Net Model on a trivalent lattice. Similarly: Can one construct arbitrary String Net Models on N-Valent lattices by understanding the model on some trivalent lattice?
But in order not to complicate things: What is the "recipe" to reduce the Z2
Kitaev Toric Code on a planar square lattice to some "trivalent lattice"?
I am looking forward to your responses!
This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-04-11 15:46 (UCT), posted by SE-user MrLee