Equivalence of Effective Non-Hermitian Hamiltonians in the Context of Open Quantum Systems and Strongly Correlated Electron Systems

Abstract

Recently, it has become clear that non-Hermitian phenomena can be observed not only in open quantum systems experiencing gain and loss but also in equilibrium single-particle properties of strongly correlated systems. However, the circumstances and requirements for the emergence of non-Hermitian phenomena in each field are entirely different. While the implementation of postselection is a significant obstacle to observe the dynamics governed by a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian in open quantum systems, it is unnecessary in strongly correlated systems. Until now, a relation between both descriptions of non-Hermitian phenomena has not been revealed. In this Letter, we close this gap and demonstrate that the non-Hermitian Hamiltonians emerging in both fields are identical, and we clarify the conditions for the emergence of a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian in strongly correlated materials. Using this knowledge, we propose a method to analyze non-Hermitian properties without the necessity of postselection by studying specific response functions of open quantum systems and strongly correlated systems.