Adversarial Torn-paper Codes

This paper studies the adversarial torn-paper channel. This problem is motivated by applications in DNA data storage where the DNA strands that carry the information may break into smaller pieces that are received out of order. Our model extends the previously researched probabilistic setting to the worst-case. We develop code constructions for any parameters of the channel for which non-vanishing asymptotic rate is possible and show that our constructions achieve optimal asymptotic rate while allowing for efficient encoding and decoding. Finally, we extend our results to related settings included multi-strand storage, presence of substitution errors, or incomplete coverage.