Control of power in parity-time symmetric lattices

Abstract

We investigate wave transport properties of parity–time (PT) symmetric lattices that are periodically modulated along the direction of propagation. We demonstrate that in the regime of unbroken PT-symmetry, the system Floquet–Bloch modes may interfere constructively leading to either controlled oscillations or power absorption and unlimited amplification occurring exactly at the phase-transition point. The differential power response is affected by the overlap of the gain and loss system distribution with wave intensity pattern that is formed through Rabi oscillations engaging the coupled Floquet–Bloch modes.