non-Hermitian Model Research Articles

Lock-in phenomena in non-Hermitian coupled systems

Coupled-mode theory has been widely employed in various branches of photonics, such as nano-photonics and non-Hermitian optics. Here we show that it can also be used as an effective physical model for clarifying various optical mode lock-in phenomena, which have been revealed to essentially originate from non-Hermitian degeneracies. We discuss the lock-in effects in physical systems through prototypical examples of optical feedback self-injection frequency lock-in technology and lock-in phenomena of ring laser gyroscopes (RLGs). Seemingly unrelated effects have been unified through one general non-Hermitian mode coupling model. Furthermore, based on our theoretical framework, we have uncovered the underlying mechanism of lock-in in RLGs and analyzed how this effect can be systematically suppressed or even eliminated

General mapping of one-dimensional non-Hermitian mosaic models to non-mosaic counterparts: Mobility edges and Lyapunov exponents

We establish a general mapping from one-dimensional non-Hermitian mosaic models to their non-mosaic counterparts. This mapping can give rise to mobility edges and even Lyapunov exponents in the mosaic models if critical points of localization or Lyapunov exponents of localized states in the corresponding non-mosaic models have already been analytically solved. To demonstrate the validity of this mapping, we apply it to two non-Hermitian localization models: an Aubry–André-like model with nonreciprocal hopping and complex quasiperiodic potentials, and the Ganeshan–Pixley–Das Sarma model with nonreciprocal hopping. We successfully obtain the mobility edges and Lyapunov exponents in their mosaic models. This general mapping may catalyze further studies on mobility edges, Lyapunov exponents, and other significant quantities pertaining to localization in non-Hermitian mosaic models.

Complex fixed points of the non-Hermitian Kondo model in a Luttinger liquid

Complex fixed points of the non-Hermitian Kondo model in a Luttinger liquid

Coexistence of stable and unstable population dynamics in a nonlinear non-Hermitian mechanical dimer.

Non-Hermitian two-site dimers serve as minimal models in which to explore the interplay of gain and loss in dynamical systems. In this paper, we experimentally and theoretically investigate the dynamics of non-Hermitian dimer models with nonreciprocal hoppings between the two sites. We investigate two types of non-Hermitian couplings; one is when asymmetric hoppings are externally introduced, and the other is when the nonreciprocal hoppings depend on the population imbalance between the two sites, thus introducing the non-Hermiticity in a dynamical manner. We engineer the models in our synthetic mechanical setup comprised of two classical harmonic oscillators coupled by measurement-based feedback. For fixed nonreciprocal hoppings, we observe that, when the strength of these hoppings is increased, there is an expected transition from a PT-symmetric regime, where oscillations in the population are stable and bounded, to a PT-broken regime, where the oscillations are unstable and the population grows/decays exponentially. However, when the non-Hermiticity is dynamically introduced, we also find a third intermediate regime in which these two behaviors coexist, meaning that we can tune from stable to unstable population dynamics by simply changing the initial phase difference between the two sites. As we explain, this behavior can be understood by theoretically exploring the emergent fixed points of a related dimer model in which the nonreciprocal hoppings depend on the normalized population imbalance. Our study opens the way for the future exploration of non-Hermitian dynamics and exotic lattice models in synthetic mechanical networks.

Zoology of non-Hermitian spectra and their graph topology

We uncover the very rich graph topology of generic bounded non-Hermitian spectra, distinct from the topology of conventional band invariants and complex spectral winding. The graph configuration of complex spectra are characterized by the algebraic structures of their corresponding energy dispersions, drawing new intimate links between combinatorial graph theory, algebraic geometry, and non-Hermitian band topology. Spectral graphs that are conformally related belong to the same equivalence class, and are characterized by emergent symmetries not necessarily present in the physical Hamiltonian. The simplest class encompasses well-known examples such as the Hatano-Nelson and non-Hermitian SSH models, while more sophisticated classes represent novel multicomponent models with interesting spectral graphs resembling stars, flowers, and insects. With recent rapid advancements in metamaterials, ultracold atomic lattices, and quantum circuits, it is now feasible to not only experimentally realize such esoteric spectra, but also investigate the non-Hermitian flat bands and anomalous responses straddling transitions between different spectral graph topologies.

Topological invariant for multiband non-Hermitian systems with chiral symmetry

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.

Construction of Non-Hermitian Parent Hamiltonian from Matrix Product States.

There are various research strategies used for non-Hermitian systems, which typically involve introducing non-Hermitian terms to preexisting Hermitian Hamiltonians. It can be challenging to directly design non-Hermitian many-body models that exhibit unique features not found in Hermitian systems. In this Letter, we propose a new method for constructing non-Hermitian many-body systems by generalizing the parent Hamiltonian method into non-Hermitian regimes. This allows us to build a local Hamiltonian using given matrix product states as its left and right ground states. We demonstrate this method by constructing a non-Hermitian spin-1 model from the asymmetric Affleck-Kennedy-Lieb-Tasaki state, which preserves both chiral order and symmetry-protected topological order. Our approach opens up a new paradigm for systematically constructing and studying non-Hermitian many-body systems, providing guiding principles for exploring new properties and phenomena in non-Hermitian physics.

Symmetry-resolved entanglement in critical non-Hermitian systems

The study of entanglement in the symmetry sectors of a theory has recently attracted a lot of attention since it provides better understanding of some aspects of quantum many-body systems. In this paper, we extend this analysis to the case of non-Hermitian models, in which the reduced density matrix $\rho_A$ may be non-positive definite and the entanglement entropy negative or even complex. Here we examine in detail the symmetry-resolved entanglement in the ground state of the non-Hermitian Su-Schrieffer-Heeger chain at the critical point, a model that preserves particle number and whose scaling limit is a $bc$-ghost non-unitary CFT. By combining bosonization techniques in the field theory and exact lattice numerical calculations, we analytically derive the charged moments of $\rho_A$ and $|\rho_A|$. From them, we can understand the origin of the non-positiveness of $\rho_A$ and naturally define a positive-definite reduced density matrix in each charge sector, which gives a well-defined symmetry-resolved entanglement entropy. As byproduct, we also obtain the analytical distribution of the critical entanglement spectrum.

Anomalous Hall effect from a non-Hermitian viewpoint

Non-Hermitian descriptions often model open or driven systems away from the equilibrium. Nonetheless, in equilibrium electronic systems, a non-Hermitian nature of an effective Hamiltonian manifests itself as unconventional observables such as a bulk Fermi arc and skin effects. We theoretically reveal that spin-dependent quasiparticle lifetimes, which signify the non-Hermiticity of an effective model in the equilibrium, induce the anomalous Hall effect, namely the Hall effect without an external magnetic field. We first examine the effect of nonmagnetic and magnetic impurities and obtain a non-Hermitian effective model. Then, we calculate the Kubo formula from the microscopic model to ascertain a non-Hermitian interpretation of the longitudinal and Hall conductivities. Our results elucidate the vital role of the non-Hermitian equilibrium nature in the quantum transport phenomena.

Non-Bloch bands in two-dimensional non-Hermitian systems

The non-Bloch band theory can describe energy bands in a one-dimensional (1D) non-Hermitian system. On the other hand, whether the non-Bloch band theory can be extended to higher-dimensional non-Hermitian systems is nontrivial. In this work, we construct the non-Bloch band theory in two classes of two-dimensional non-Hermitian systems by reducing the problem to that for a 1D non-Hermitian model. In these classes of systems, we get the generalized Brillouin zone for a complex wave vector and investigate topological properties. In the model of the non-Hermitian Chern insulator, as an example, we show the bulk-edge correspondence between the Chern number defined from the generalized Brillouin zone and the appearance of the edge states.

Probing Complex-Energy Topology via Non-Hermitian Absorption Spectroscopy in a Trapped Ion Simulator.

Non-Hermitian systems generically have complex energies, which may host topological structures, such as links or knots. While there has been great progress in experimentally engineering non-Hermitian models in quantum simulators, it remains a significant challenge to experimentally probe complex energies in these systems, thereby making it difficult to directly diagnose complex-energy topology. Here, we experimentally realize a two-band non-Hermitian model with a single trapped ion whose complex eigenenergies exhibit the unlink, unknot, or Hopf link topological structures. Based on non-Hermitian absorption spectroscopy, we couple one system level to an auxiliary level through a laser beam and then experimentally measure the population of the ion on the auxiliary level after a long period of time. Complex eigenenergies are then extracted, illustrating the unlink, unknot, or Hopf link topological structure. Our work demonstrates that complex energies can be experimentally measured in quantum simulators via non-Hermitian absorption spectroscopy, thereby opening the door for exploring various complex-energy properties in non-Hermitian quantum systems, such as trapped ions, cold atoms, superconducting circuits, or solid-state spin systems.

Mixed state behavior of Hermitian and non-Hermitian topological models with extended couplings

Geometric phase is an important tool to define the topology of the Hermitian and non-Hermitian systems. Besides, the range of coupling plays an important role in realizing higher topological indices and transition among them. With a motivation to understand the geometric phases for mixed states, we discuss finite temperature analysis of Hermitian and non-Hermitian topological models with extended range of couplings. To understand the geometric phases for the mixed states, we use Uhlmann phase and discuss the merit-limitation with respect extended range couplings. We extend the finite temperature analysis to non-Hermitian models and define topological invariant for different ranges of coupling. We include the non-Hermitian skin effect, and provide the derivation of topological invariant in the generalized Brillouin zone and their mixed state behavior also. We also adopt mixed geometric phases through interferometric approach, and discuss the geometric phases of extended-range (Hermitian and non-Hermitian) models at finite temperature.

Emergent conservation in the Floquet dynamics of integrable non-Hermitian models

We study the dynamics of a class of integrable non-Hermitian free-fermionic models driven periodically using a continuous drive protocol characterized by an amplitude $g_1$ and frequency $\omega_D$. We derive an analytic, albeit perturbative, Floquet Hamiltonian for describing such systems using Floquet perturbation theory with $g_1^{-1}$ being the perturbation parameter. Our analysis indicates the existence of special drive frequencies at which an approximately conserved quantity emerges. The presence of such an almost conserved quantity is reflected in the dynamics of the fidelity, the correlation functions and the half-chain entanglement entropy of the driven system. In addition, it also controls the nature of the steady state of the system. We show that one-dimensional (1D) transverse field Ising model, with an imaginary component of the transverse field, serves as an experimentally relevant example of this phenomenon. In this case, the transverse magnetization is approximately conserved; this conservation leads to complete suppression of oscillatory features in the transient dynamics of fidelity, magnetization, and entanglement of the driven chain at special drive frequencies. We discuss the nature of the steady state of the Ising chain near and away from these special frequencies, demonstrate the protocol independence of this phenomenon by showing its existence for discrete drive protocols, and suggest experiments which can test our theory.

Non-Hermitian boundary spectral winding

Spectral winding of complex eigenenergies represents a topological aspect unique in non-Hermitian systems, which vanishes in one-dimensional (1D) systems under the open boundary conditions (OBC). In this work, we discover a boundary spectral winding in two-dimensional non-Hermitian systems under the OBC, originating from the interplay between Hermitian boundary localization and non-Hermitian non-reciprocal pumping. Such a nontrivial boundary topology is demonstrated in a non-Hermitian breathing Kagome model with a triangle geometry, whose 1D boundary mimics a 1D non-Hermitian system under the periodic boundary conditions with nontrivial spectral winding. In a trapezoidal geometry, such a boundary spectral winding can even co-exist with corner accumulation of edge states, instead of extended ones along 1D boundary of a triangle geometry. An OBC type of hybrid skin-topological effect may also emerge in a trapezoidal geometry, provided the boundary spectral winding completely vanishes. By studying the Green's function, we unveil that the boundary spectral winding can be detected from a topological response of the system to a local driving field, offering a realistic method to extract the nontrivial boundary topology for experimental studies.

Fixed points on band structures of non-Hermitian models: Extended states in the bandgap and ideal superluminal tunneling

Space-time reflection symmetry (PT symmetry) in non-Hermitian electronic models has drawn much attention over the past decade mainly because it guarantees that the band structures calculated under open boundary conditions be the same as those calculated under periodic boundary conditions. PT symmetry in electromagnetic (EM) models, which are usually borrowed from electronic models, has also been of immense interest, mainly because it leads to ``exceptional'' parameter values below which non-Hermitian operators have real eigenvalues, although PT symmetry is not the sole symmetry that allows such exceptional parameter values. In this work, we examine one-dimensional PT-symmetric non-Hermitian EM models to introduce novel concepts and phenomena. We introduce the band-structure concept of ``fixed points,'' which leads to ``bidirectional'' reflection zeros in the corresponding finite structures, contrary to a common belief about the EM structures with PT symmetry (and without parity inversion and time-reversal symmetries). Some of the fixed points manifest themselves as, what we name, ``extended states in the bandgap'' on the band structure while some other fixed points are the ``turning points'' of the band structure. The extended states in the bandgap are in fact the dual of the well-known ``bound states in the continuum,'' while the turning points allow us to observe ``ideal'' superluminal tunneling in the corresponding finite structures. By ``ideal'' superluminal tunneling, we mean the case where not only the transmission coefficient has an almost uniform phase over a broad bandwidth, but also the magnitudes of the transmission and reflection coefficients are almost equal to unity and zero, respectively, over the bandwidth.

Non-Hermitian Ising model at finite temperature

As a very simple model, the Ising model plays an important role in statistical physics. In the paper, with the help of quantum Liouvillian statistical theory, we study the one-dimensional non-Hermitian Ising model at finite temperature and give its analytical solutions. We find that the non-Hermitian Ising model shows quite different properties from those of its Hermitian counterpart. For example, the ‘pseudo-phase transition’ is explored between the ‘topological’ phase and the ‘non-topological’ phase, at which the Liouvillian energy gap is closed rather than the usual energy gap. In particular, we point out that the one-dimensional non-Hermitian Ising model at finite temperature can be equivalent to an effective anisotropic XY model in the transverse field. This work will help people understand quantum statistical properties of non-Hermitian systems at finite temperatures.

Adiabatic-impulse approximation in the non-Hermitian Landau-Zener model

In the non-Hermitian Landau-Zener models, we investigate the dynamical transition both in parity-time symmetric and symmetry-broken regimes. Taking into account the complex nature of the energy of the non-Hermitian systems, the absolute value of the gap was used to determine the relaxation rate of the system. To show the dynamics of the phase transitions, the relative population is used to estimate the topological defect density in nonequilibrium phase transitions, rather than the excitations in the corresponding Hermitian systems. The result shows that the adiabatic-impulse approximation, which is fundamental to the Kibble-Zurek mechanism, may be adapted to the parity-time symmetric non-Hermitian Landau-Zener models to examine the dynamics near the critical point. The most basic non-Hermitian two-level models with an exact solution exhibiting the Kibble-Zurek mechanism are presented. It would be interesting to extend this scenario to quantum many-body models, such as the quantum phase transition in the Ising model.

Interference-induced anisotropy in a two-dimensional dark-state optical lattice

We describe a two-dimensional optical lattice for ultracold atoms with spatial features below the diffraction limit created by a bichromatic optical standing wave. At every point in space these fields couple the internal atomic states in a three-level Lambda coupling configuration. Adiabatically following the local wavefunction of the resulting dark state yields a spatially uniform Born-Oppenheimer potential augmented by geometric scalar and vector potentials appearing due to spatially rapid changes of the wavefunction. Depending on system parameters, we find that the geometric scalar potential can interpolate from a 2D analogue of the Kronig-Penney lattice, to an array of tubes with a zig-zag shaped barrier. The geometric vector potential induces a spatially periodic effective magnetic field (the Berry's curvature) that can be tuned to cause destructive interference between neighboring tubes, thereby decoupling them at a critical point in parameter space. We numerically investigate the energy spectrum including decay from the excited state, and find that the adiabatic approximation is sound for strong coupling strengths, leading to negligible loss in the dark state manifold. Furthermore, the spectrum is well-described by a non-Hermitian tight binding model with on-site losses, and hopping characterized by both loss and, surprisingly, gain.

Multiple phase transitions and anomalous non-Hermitian skin effect

Non-Hermiticity is revolutionizing the common understanding in the Hermitian scope by interfacing with topological physics. A single non-Hermitian band can host nontrivial topology that is defined over the nonzero windings of the system's eigenvalues, but not the eigenvectors, as opposed to the Hermitian topological systems. This unique non-Hermitian band topology is responsible for the intriguing non-Hermitian skin effect. Here, we show that the band topology of non-Hermitian one-band models can experience multiple phase transitions. Each transition is identified by a change of the eigenvalue winding. Such an interesting phenomenon is enabled by strategically manipulating the long-range couplings. Associated with the multiple phase transitions, the non-Hermitian skin effect exhibits anomalous behaviors, i.e., in different phases, the skin modes take on different forms of wave localizations. At the transition points, the skin modes evolve into Bloch-wavelike extended states, as if the Hermiticity is restored. For demonstration, we consider a modified Hatano-Nelson model with nonreciprocal next-nearest neighbor couplings. Therein, two phase transitions are identified, corresponding to a stationary and a dynamic one (with respect to the reciprocal nearest-neighbor coupling). Exact analytical derivations are performed to analyze the phase transitions and the associated anomalous non-Hermitian skin effect, which show consistency with the numerical results based on the generalized Brillouin zone method. Our work reveals rich non-Hermitian topological physics in one-band systems, which are considered to be topologically trivial in Hermitian systems. By further showing the anomalous non-Hermitian skin effect, intriguing wave manipulations may inspire experiments in classical realms such as photonics and phononics where versatile non-Hermitian controls are feasible.

Topological transitions in weakly monitored free fermions

We study a free fermion model where two sets of non-commuting non-projective measurements stabilize area-law entanglement scaling phases of distinct topological order. We show the presence of a topological phase transition that is of a different universality class than that observed in stroboscopic projective circuits. In the presence of unitary dynamics, the two topologically distinct phases are separated by a region with sub-volume scaling of the entanglement entropy. We find that this entanglement transition is well identified by a combination of the bipartite entanglement entropy and the topological entanglement entropy. We further show that the phase diagram is qualitatively captured by an analytically tractable non-Hermitian model obtained via post-selecting the measurement outcome. Finally we introduce a partial-post-selection continuous mapping, that uniquely associates topological indices of the non-Hermitian Hamiltonian to the distinct phases of the stochastic measurement-induced dynamics.