Toric code topological order in a Rydberg blockaded model

The physical realization of a quantum liquid with Z₂ topological order as embodied in the paradigmatic toric code has proven to be an elusive goal. Here we demonstrate that this topological phase can be found in a two-dimensional Rydberg atom array. In addition to identifying the phase in terms of the topological entanglement entropy and ground state degeneracies, we point out topological string operators that allow for a direct characterization.