Symmetry and topological classification of Floquet non-Hermitian systems

Abstract

Recent experimental advances in Floquet engineering and controlling dissipation in open systems have brought about unprecedented flexibility in tailoring novel phenomena without any static and Hermitian analogues. It can be epitomized by the various Floquet and non-Hermitian topological phases. Topological classifications of either static/Floquet Hermitian or static non-Hermitian systems based on the underlying symmetries have been well established in the past several years. However, a coherent understanding and classification of Floquet non-Hermitian (FNH) topological phases have not been achieved yet. Here we systematically classify FNH topological bands for 54-fold generalized Bernard-LeClair (GBL) symmetry classes and arbitrary spatial dimensions using $K$ theory. The classification distinguishes two different scenarios of the Floquet operator's spectrum gaps [dubbed as Floquet operator (FO) angle-gapped and FO angle-gapless]. The results culminate into two periodic tables, each containing 54-fold GBL symmetry classes. Our scheme reveals FNH topological phases without any static/Floquet Hermitian and static non-Hermitian counterparts. And our results naturally produce the periodic tables of Floquet Hermitian topological insulators and Floquet unitaries. The framework can also be applied to characterize the topological phases of bosonic systems. We provide concrete examples of one- and two-dimensional fermionic/bosonic systems. And we elucidate the meaning of the topological invariants and their physical consequences. Our paper lays the foundation for a comprehensive exploration of FNH topological bands. And it opens a broad avenue toward uncovering unique phenomena and functionalities emerging from the synthesis of periodic driving, non-Hermiticity, and band topology.