Topological invariant for multiband non-Hermitian systems with chiral symmetry

Abstract

Topology plays an important role in non-Hermitian systems. How to characterize a non-Hermitian topological system under open-boundary conditions (OBCs) is a challenging problem. A one-dimensional (1D) topological invariant defined on a generalized Brillion zone (GBZ) was recently found to successfully describe the topological property of the two-band Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model. But for a 1D multiband chiral symmetric system under OBCs, it is still controversial how to define the topological invariant. We show in this paper by exact proof and detailed demonstration that to acquire the topological invariant for multiband non-Hermitian models with chiral symmetry, the GBZ as the integral domain should be replaced by a more generalized closed loop. Our work thus establishes the non-Bloch bulk-boundary correspondence for 1D multiband chiral symmetric non-Hermitian systems.