Title: Advantages of versatile neural-network decoding for topological codes,
Abstract: Finding optimal correction of errors in generic stabilizer codes is a
computationally hard problem, even for simple noise models. While this task can
be simplified for codes with some structure, such as topological stabilizer
codes, developing good and efficient decoders still remains a challenge. In our
work, we systematically study a very versatile class of decoders based on
feedforward neural networks. To demonstrate adaptability, we apply neural
decoders to the triangular color and toric codes under various noise models
with realistic features, such as spatially-correlated errors. We report that
neural decoders provide significant improvement over leading efficient decoders
in terms of the error-correction threshold. Using neural networks simplifies
the process of designing well-performing decoders, and does not require prior
knowledge of the underlying noise model.