Non-Hermitian photonic lattices: tutorial

Abstract

Non-Hermitian photonic lattices combine the peculiar consequences of energy non-conservation with the physics of bandstructures, giving rise to a variety of exotic properties not found in conventional materials or photonic metamaterials. In this tutorial, we introduce the key concepts in the design and implementation of non-Hermitian photonic lattices, including the general features of non-Hermitian lattice Hamiltonians and their bandstructures, the role of non-Hermitian lattice symmetries, and the topological chracterization of non-Hermitian bandstructures. We survey several important non-Hermitian lattice designs, as well as the photonics platforms on which they can be realized. Finally, we discuss the possibilities for future developments in the field.