non-Hermitian Eigenvalue Problem Research Articles

Non-hermiticity in spintronics: oscillation death in coupled spintronic nano-oscillators through emerging exceptional points

The emergence of exceptional points (EPs) in the parameter space of a non-hermitian (2D) eigenvalue problem has long been interest in mathematical physics, however, only in the last decade entered the scope of experiments. In coupled systems, EPs give rise to unique physical phenomena, and enable the development of highly sensitive sensors. Here, we demonstrate at room temperature the emergence of EPs in coupled spintronic nanoscale oscillators and exploit the system’s non-hermiticity. We observe amplitude death of self-oscillations and other complex dynamics, and develop a linearized non-hermitian model of the coupled spintronic system, which describes the main experimental features. The room temperature operation, and CMOS compatibility of our spintronic nanoscale oscillators means that they are ready to be employed in a variety of applications, such as field, current or rotation sensors, radiofrequeny and wireless devices, and in dedicated neuromorphic computing hardware. Furthermore, their unique and versatile properties, notably their large nonlinear behavior, open up unprecedented perspectives in experiments as well as in theory on the physics of exceptional points expanding to strongly nonlinear systems.

Legolas 2.0: Improvements and extensions to an MHD spectroscopic framework

We report on recent extensions and improvements to the Legolas code, which is an open-source, finite element-based numerical framework to solve the linearised (magneto)hydrodynamic equations for a three-dimensional force- and thermally balanced state with a nontrivial one-dimensional variation. The standard Fourier modes imposed give rise to a complex, generalised non-Hermitian eigenvalue problem which is solved to quantify all linear wave modes of the given system in either Cartesian or cylindrical geometries. The framework now supports subsystems of the eight linearised MHD equations, allowing for pure hydrodynamic setups, only one-dimensional density/temperature/velocity variations, or the option to treat specific closure relations. We discuss optimisations to the internal datastructure and eigenvalue solvers, showing a considerable performance increase in both execution time and memory usage. Additionally the code now has the capability to fully visualise eigenfunctions associated with given wave modes in multiple dimensions, which we apply to standard Kelvin-Helmholtz and Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities in hydrodynamics, thereby providing convincing links between linear stability analysis and the onset of non-linear phenomena.

Simultaneous quantum squeezing of light polarizations and atomic spins in a cold atomic gas

We present a scheme to realize simultaneous quantum squeezing of light polarizations and atomic spins via a perturbed double electromagnetically induced transparency (DEIT) in a cold four-level atomic ensemble coupled with a probe laser pulse of two polarization components. We derive two coupled quantum nonlinear Schr\"odinger equations from Maxwell-Heisenberg-Langevin equations describing the quantum dynamics of the atoms and the probe pulse and develop a quantum theory of vector optical soliton (VOS), which have ultraslow propagation velocity and extremely low generation power. We solve the non-Hermitian eigenvalue problem describing the quantum fluctuations on the background of the VOS and rigorously prove that all fluctuation eigenmodes (including continuous modes and four zero modes) obtained constitute a biorthonormal and complete set. We find that, due to the giant self- and cross-Kerr nonlinearities contributed by the perturbed DEIT, a large polarization squeezing of the probe pulse can be realized. We also find that, together with the polarization squeezing of the probe pulses, a significant squeezing of atomic spins also occurs simultaneously. The results of the simultaneous squeezing of light polarizations and atomic spins by using only a coherent probe pulse reported here opens a route for uncovering the unique property of the quantum interface between light and atomic ensembles and also for applications in quantum information and precision measurement.

Extension of selected configuration interaction for transcorrelated methods.

In this work, we present an extension of popular selected configuration interaction (SCI) algorithms to the Transcorrelated (TC) framework. Although we used in this work the recently introduced one-parameter correlation factor [E. Giner, J. Chem. Phys. 154, 084119 (2021)], the theory presented here is valid for any correlation factor. Thanks to the formalization of the non-Hermitian TC eigenvalue problem as a search of stationary points for a specific functional depending on both left- and right-functions, we obtain a general framework, allowing for different choices for both the selection criterion in SCI and the second order perturbative correction to the energy. After numerical investigations on different second-row atomic and molecular systems in increasingly large basis sets, we found that taking into account the non-Hermitian character of the TC Hamiltonian in the selection criterion is mandatory to obtain a fast convergence of the TC energy. In addition, selection criteria based on either the first order coefficient or the second order energy lead to significantly different convergence rates, which is typically not the case in the usual Hermitian SCI. Regarding the convergence of the total second order perturbation energy, we find that the quality of the left-function used in the equations strongly affects the quality of the results. Within the near-optimal algorithm proposed here, we find that the SCI expansion in the TC framework converges faster than the usual SCI in terms of both the basis set and the number of Slater determinants.

Quantum squeezing of slow-light dark solitons via electromagnetically induced transparency

We consider the quantum effect of slow light dark soliton (SLDS) in a cold atomic gas with defocuing Kerr nonlinearity via electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). We calculate the quantum fluctuations of the SLDS by solving the relevant non-Hermitian eigenvalue problem describing the quantum fluctuations, and find that only one zero mode is allowed. This is different from the quantum fluctuations of bright solitons, where two independent zero modes occur. We rigorously prove that the eigenmodes, which consist of continuous modes and the zero mode, are bi-orthogonal and constitute a complete bi-orthonormalized basis, useful for the calculation on the quantum fluctuations of the SLDS. We demonstrate that, due to the large Kerr nonlinearity contributed from the EIT effect, a significant quantum squeezing of the SLDS can be realized; the squeezing efficiency can be manipulated by the Kerr nonlinearity and the soliton's amplitude, which can be much higher than that of bright solitons. Our work contributes to efforts for developing quantum nonlinear optics and non-Hermitian Physics, and for possible applications in quantum information processing and precision measurements.

Partial-wave approach to the Stark resonance problem of the water molecule

A partial-wave method is developed to deal with small molecules dominated by a central atom as an extension of earlier single-center methods. In particular, a model potential for the water molecule is expanded over a basis of spherical harmonics. A finite-element method is employed to generate local polynomial functions in subintervals to represent the radial part of the wave function. The angular parts of the wave function are represented by spherical harmonics. The problem of Stark resonances is treated with the exterior complex scaling method which incorporates a wave-function discontinuity at the scaling radius. The resultant non-Hermitian matrix eigenvalue problem yields resonance positions and widths (decay rates). We present these dc Stark shifts and exponential decay rates for the valence orbitals $1{b}_{1}, 3{a}_{1}$, and the bonding orbital $1{b}_{2}$. Furthermore, comparison is made with total molecular decay rates and dc shifts obtained recently within the Hartree-Fock and coupled-cluster approaches.

An efficient contour integral based eigensolver for 3D dispersive photonic crystal

Numerical simulations play a significant role in studying the properties of dispersive metallic photonic crystals. The dispersive photonic crystals are modeled by the Maxwell equations, and the equations are then discretized by the widely-used Yee’s scheme. After applying certain similarity transformations to the discretized system, the original simulation problem becomes a non-Hermitian eigenvalue problem with clustered eigenvalues. An efficient contour integral (CI) based eigensolver is developed to overcome the difficulties of applying existing methods to solve eigenvalues in designated regions. This efficient method combines the contour integral, the fast matrix–vector multiplication, and efficient linear system solver. The numerical results illustrate the efficiency of our algorithm.

Fast Randomized Non-Hermitian Eigensolvers Based on Rational Filtering and Matrix Partitioning

Related DatabasesWeb of Science You must be logged in with an active subscription to view this.Article DataHistorySubmitted: 30 June 2020Accepted: 16 June 2021Published online: 13 September 2021Keywordsrational filtering, matrix partitioning, contour integral eigensolvers, non-Hermitian eigenvalue problems, randomized algorithmsAMS Subject Headings65F15, 15A18, 65F50Publication DataISSN (print): 1064-8275ISSN (online): 1095-7197Publisher: Society for Industrial and Applied MathematicsCODEN: sjoce3

Many-electron theory based on a similarity transformation and a condensate reference system

A general method based on a similarity transformation is presented, which treats many-fermion and many-boson systems in an exact fashion. It can be shown that under such a similarity transformation, the many-electron problem will split into an interacting condensate-like bosonic reference system, and a non-Hermitian eigenvalue problem of independent (quasi-)electrons. We discuss several elementary examples to show that the present approach is compatible with the canonical quantum mechanical formalism and that the resulting splitting offers several useful simplifications as compared to other quantum chemical approaches.

Comparison of Numerical Methods and Open-Source Libraries for Eigenvalue Analysis of Large-Scale Power Systems

This paper discusses the numerical solution of the generalized non-Hermitian eigenvalue problem. It provides a comprehensive comparison of existing algorithms, as well as of available free and open-source software tools, which are suitable for the solution of the eigenvalue problems that arise in the stability analysis of electric power systems. The paper focuses, in particular, on methods and software libraries that are able to handle the large-scale, non-symmetric matrices that arise in power system eigenvalue problems. These kinds of eigenvalue problems are particularly difficult for most numerical methods to handle. Thus, a review and fair comparison of existing algorithms and software tools is a valuable contribution for researchers and practitioners that are interested in power system dynamic analysis. The scalability and performance of the algorithms and libraries are duly discussed through case studies based on real-world electrical power networks. These are a model of the All-Island Irish Transmission System with 8640 variables; and, a model of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity, with 146,164 variables.

Exact solution of the non-Hermitian eigenvalue problem for electron orbital excitations in a hydrogen atom

A new way of solving the spectral problem to describe electronic excitations is demonstrated for a hydrogen atom. The applied methodology is based formally on the idea of electronic excitation description without introducing boundary conditions to the eigenvalue problem for the square of the angular momentum operator. The eigenvalues of such an operator are considered as complex in general. As a result, the spectral problem for the Schrödinger equation becomes non-Hermitian with complex energy values. The imaginary part of the total energy helps to estimate the excitation lifetime within a unified scheme. The existence of the Stark shift of atomic energy levels and the collapse of the atomic spectra are confirmed.

Analytical quantitative semiclassical approach to the Lo Surdo–Stark effect and ionization in two-dimensional excitons

Using a semi-classical approach, we derive a fully analytical expression for the ionization rate of excitons in two-dimensional materials due to an external static electric field, which eliminates the need for complicated numerical calculations. Our formula shows quantitative agreement with more sophisticated numerical methods based on the exterior complex scaling approach, which solves a non-hermitian eigenvalue problem yielding complex energy eigenvalues, where the imaginary part describes the ionization rate. Results for excitons in hexagonal boron nitride and the $A-$exciton in transition metal dichalcogenides are given as a simple examples. The extension of the theory to include spin-orbit-split excitons in transition metal dichalcogenides is trivial.

Factorization of the Riesz-Feller Fractional Quantum Harmonic Oscillators

Using the Riesz-Feller fractional derivative, we apply the factorization algorithm to the fractional quantum harmonic oscillator along the lines previously proposed by Olivar-Romero and Rosas-Ortiz, extending their results. We solve the non-Hermitian fractional eigenvalue problem in the k space by introducing in that space a new class of Hermite ‘polynomials’ that we call Riesz-Feller Hermite ‘polynomials’. Using the inverse Fourier transform in Mathematica, interesting analytic results for the same eigenvalue problem in the x space are also obtained. Additionally, a more general factorization with two different Lévy indices is briefly introduced.

Green exciton series in cuprous oxide

We numerically investigate the odd parity states of the green exciton series in cuprous oxide. Taking into account the coupling to the yellow series and especially to the yellow continuum, the green excitons are quasi-bound resonances with a finite lifetime which cannot be described with Hermitian operators. To calculate their positions and linewidths, we use the method of complex-coordinate rotation, leading to a non-Hermitian complex eigenvalue problem. We find that the behavior of the dominant P states is very well approximated by a modified Rydberg formula using a negative quantum defect. The corresponding linewidths induced by the coupling to the yellow continuum decrease with the third power of the principal quantum number.

Convergence and Preconditioning of Inexact Inverse Subspace Iteration for Generalized Eigenvalue Problems

Abstract This paper focuses on the inner iteration that arises in inexact inverse subspace iteration for computing a small deflating subspace of a large matrix pencil. First, it is shown that the method achieves linear rate of convergence if the inner iteration is performed with increasing accuracy. Then, as inner iteration, block-GMRES is used with preconditioners generalizing the one by Robbé, Sadkane and Spence [Inexact inverse subspace iteration with preconditioning applied to non-Hermitian eigenvalue problems, SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl. 31 2009, 1, 92–113]. It is shown that the preconditioners help to maintain the number of iterations needed by block-GMRES to approximately a small constant. The efficiency of the preconditioners is illustrated by numerical examples.

Exceptional points for resonant states on parallel circular dielectric cylinders

Exceptional points (EPs) are special parameter values of a non-Hermitian eigenvalue problem where eigenfunctions corresponding to a multiple eigenvalue coalesce. In optics, EPs are associated with a number of counterintuitive wave phenomena and have potential applications in lasing, sensing, mode conversion, and spontaneous emission processes. For open photonic structures, resonant states are complex-frequency solutions of the Maxwell’s equations with outgoing radiation conditions. For open dielectric structures without material gain or loss, the eigenvalue problem for resonant states can have EPs, since it is non-Hermitian due to radiation losses. For applications in nanophotonics, it is important to understand EPs for resonant states on small finite dielectric structures consisting of conventional dielectric materials. To achieve this objective, we study EPs of resonant states on finite sets of parallel infinitely long circular dielectric cylinders with subwavelength radii. For systems with two, three, and four cylinders, we develop an efficient numerical method for computing EPs, present examples for second- and third-order EPs, and highlight their topological features. Our work provides insight to understanding EPs on more complicated photonic structures, and can be used as a simple platform to explore applications of EPs.

Spectral Indicator Method for a Non-selfadjoint Steklov Eigenvalue Problem

We propose an efficient numerical method for a non-selfadjoint Steklov eigenvalue problem. The Lagrange finite element is used for discretization and the convergence is proved using the spectral perturbation theory for compact operators. The non-selfadjointness of the problem leads to non-Hermitian matrix eigenvalue problem. Due to the existence of complex eigenvalues and lack of a priori spectral information, we employ the recently developed spectral indicator method to compute eigenvalues in a given region on the complex plane. Numerical examples are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Exceptional points of resonant states on a periodic slab

A special kind of degeneracy, known as exceptional points (EPs), for resonant states on a dielectric periodic slab are investigated. Due to their unique properties, EPs have found important applications in lasing, sensing, unidirectional operations, etc. In general, EPs may appear in non-Hermitian eigenvalue problems, including those related to -parity-time-symmetric systems and those for open dielectric structures (due to the existence of radiation loss). In this paper, we study EPs on a simple periodic structure: a slab with a periodic array of gaps. By using an efficient numerical method, we calculate the EPs and study their dependence on geometric parameters. Analytic results are obtained for the limit as the periodic slab approaches a uniform one. Our work provides a simple platform for further studies concerning EPs on dielectric periodic structures, their unusual properties, and applications.

The viscous curtain: General formulation and finite-element solution for the stability of flowing viscous sheets

The stability of thin viscous sheets has been studied so far in the special case where the base flow possesses a direction of invariance: the linear stability is then governed by an ordinary differential equation. We propose a mathematical formulation and a numerical method of solution that are applicable to the linear stability analysis of viscous sheets possessing no particular symmetry. The linear stability problem is formulated as a non-Hermitian eigenvalue problem in a 2D domain and is solved numerically using the finite-element method. Specifically, we consider the case of a viscous sheet in an open flow, which falls in a bath of fluid; the sheet is mildly stretched by gravity and the flow can become unstable by ‘curtain’ modes. The growth rates of these modes are calculated as a function of the fluid parameters and of the geometry, and a phase diagram is obtained. A transition is reported between a buckling mode (static bifurcation) and an oscillatory mode (Hopf bifurcation). The effect of surface tension is discussed.

A partitioned shift-without-invert algorithm to improve parallel eigensolution efficiency in real-space electronic transport

We present an eigenspectrum partitioning scheme without inversion for the recently described real-space electronic transport code, TRANSEC. The primary advantage of TRANSEC is its highly parallel algorithm, which enables studying conductance in large systems. The present scheme adds a new source of parallelization, significantly enhancing TRANSEC’s parallel scalability, especially for systems with many electrons. In principle, partitioning could enable super-linear parallel speedup, as we demonstrate in calculations within TRANSEC. In practical cases, we report better than five-fold improvement in CPU time and similar improvements in wall time, compared to previously-published large calculations. Importantly, the suggested scheme is relatively simple to implement. It can be useful for general large Hermitian or weakly non-Hermitian eigenvalue problems, whenever relatively accurate inversion via direct or iterative linear solvers is impractical.