Perspective on topological states of non-Hermitian lattices

Abstract

The search of topological states in non-Hermitian systems has gained a strong momentum over the last two years climbing to the level of an emergent research front. In this perspective we give an overview with a focus on connecting this topic to others like Floquet systems. Furthermore, using a simple scattering picture we discuss an interpretation of concepts like the Hamiltonian’s defectiveness, i.e. the lack of a full basis of eigenstates, crucial in many discussions of topological phases of non-Hermitian Hamiltonians.