For an arbitrary possibly non-Hermitian matrix Hamiltonian H, that might involve exceptional points, we construct an appropriate parameter space M and the lines bundle L^n over M such that the adiabatic geometric phases associated with the eigenstates of the initial Hamiltonian coincide with the holonomies of L^n. We examine the case of 2 x 2 matrix Hamiltonians in detail and show that, contrary to claims made in some recent publications, geometric phases arising from encircling exceptional points are generally geometrical and not topological in nature.
An interplay of an exotic quantum holonomy and exceptional points is examined in one-dimensional Bose systems. The eigenenergy anholonomy, in which Hermitian adiabatic cycle induces nontrivial change in eigenenergies, can be interpreted as a manifestation of eigenenergy's Riemann surface structure, where the branch points are identified as the exceptional points which are degeneracy points in the complexified parameter space. It is also shown that the exceptional points are the divergent points of the non-Abelian gauge connection for the gauge theoretical formulation of the eigenspace anholono…
The correspondence between exotic quantum holonomy that occurs in families of Hermitian cycles, and exceptional points (EPs) for non-Hermitian quantum theory is examined in quantum kicked tops. Under a suitable condition, an explicit expressions of the adiabatic parameter dependencies of quasienergies and stationary states, which exhibit anholonomies, are obtained. It is also shown that the quantum kicked tops with the complexified adiabatic parameter have a higher order EP, which is broken into lower order EPs with the application of small perturbations. The stability of exotic holonomy again…
We suggest a physical interpretation of the Uhlmann amplitude of a density operator. Given this interpretation we propose an operational approach to obtain the Uhlmann condition for parallelity. This allows us to realize parallel transport along a sequence of density operators by an iterative preparation procedure. At the final step the resulting Uhlmann holonomy can be determined via interferometric measurements.
An adiabatic change of a bound state along a closed circuit in the parameter space can induces holonomies not only in the phase of the state, but also in the associated eigenspace and eigenvalue. The former is the well-known Berry phase while the latter, namely the exotic holonomy, is found a decade ago and its origin has not been understood yet. By extending the parameter into the complex number, the correspondence of the exotic holonomies and the degeneracy of the non-Hermitian Hamiltonian, or the exceptional points, is revealed. We show that this explains all the known non-trivial character…
Non-Abelian holonomy in dynamical systems may arise in adiabatic transport of energetically degenerate sets of states. We examine such a holonomy structure for mixtures of energetically degenerate quantal states. We demonstrate that this structure has a natural interpretation in terms of the standard Wilczek-Zee holonomy associated with a certain class of Hamiltonians that couple the system to an ancilla. The mixed state holonomy is analysed for holonomic quantum computation using ion traps.
A geometric interpretation of the Aharonov--Bohm effect is given in terms of connections on principal fiber bundles. It is demonstrated that the principal fiber bundle can be trivial while the connection and its holonomy group are nontrivial. Therefore, the main role is played by geometric rather than topological effects.
A geometric interpretation of the Berry phase and its Wilczek--Zee non-Abelian generalization are given in terms of connections on principal fiber bundles. It is demonstrated that a principal fiber bundle can be trivial in all cases, while the connection and its holonomy group are nontrivial. Therefore, the main role is played by geometric rather than topological effects.
Covariant formulation of the Berry connection in non-Hermitian systems
Joint Laboratory of Optics of Palacký University and Institute of Physics of CAS, Faculty of Science, Palacký University（帕拉茨基大学光学联合实验室与捷克科学院物理研究所，理学院，帕拉茨基大学）
We explore a way of finding the link between a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian and a Hermitian one. Based on the analysis of Bethe Ansatz solutions for a class of non-Hermitian Hamiltonians and the scattering problems for the corresponding Hermitian Hamiltonians. It is shown that a scattering state of an arbitrary Hermitian lattice embedded in a chain as the scattering center shares the same wave function with the corresponding non-Hermitian tight binding lattice, which consists of the Hermitian lattice with two additional on-site complex potentials, no matter the non-Hermitian is broken PT symmetry…
We demonstrate general classifications of Riemann surface topology generated by multiple arbitrary-order exceptional points of quasi-stationary states. Our studies reveal all possible product permutations of holonomy matrices that describe a stroboscopic encircling of 2nd order exceptional points. The permutations turn out to be categorized into a finite number of classes according to the topological structures of the Riemann surfaces. We further show that the permutation classes can be derived from combinations of cyclic building blocks associated with higher-order exceptional points. Our res…
We study the quantum-mechanical interpretation of models with non-Hermitian Hamiltonians and real spectra. We set up a general framework for the analysis of such systems in terms of Hermitian Hamiltonians defined in the usual Hilbert space $L_2(-\infty,\infty)$. Special emphasis is put on the correct definition of the algebra of physical observables. Within this scheme we consider various examples, including the model recently introduced by Cannata et al. and the model of Hatano and Nelson.
The concept of energy-dependent forces in quantum mechanics is re-analysed. We suggest a simplification of their study via the representation of each self-adjoint and energy-dependent Hamiltonian H=H(E) with real spectrum by an auxiliary non-Hermitian operator K which remains energy-independent. Practical merits of such an approach to the Schroedinger equations with energy-dependent potentials are illustrated using their quasi-exactly solvable example.
Non-Hermitian systems can produce branch singularities known as exceptional points (EPs). Different from singularities in Hermitian systems, the topological properties of an EP can involve either the winding of eigenvalues that produces a discriminant number (DN) or the eigenvector holonomy that generates a Berry phase. The multiplicity of topological invariants also makes non-Hermitian topology richer than its Hermitian counterpart. Here, we study a parabola-shaped trajectory formed by EPs with both theory and acoustic experiments. By obtaining both the DNs and Berry phases through the measur…
This paper deals with the mathematical spectral analysis and physical interpretation of a fermionic system described by a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian possessing real eigenvalues. A statistical thermodynamical description of such a system is considered. Approximate expressions for the energy expectation value and the number operator expectation value, in terms of the absolute temperature $T$ and of the chemical potential $μ$, are obtained, based on the Euler-Maclaurin formula.
Quantum systems governed by non-Hermitian Hamiltonians with $\PT$ symmetry are special in having real energy eigenvalues bounded below and unitary time evolution. We argue that $\PT$ symmetry may also be important and present at the level of Hermitian quantum field theories because of the process of renormalisation. In some quantum field theories renormalisation leads to $\PT$-symmetric effective Lagrangians. We show how $\PT$ symmetry may allow interpretations that evade ghosts and instabilities present in an interpretation of the theory within a Hermitian framework. From the study of example…
We present a brief review of physical problems leading to indefinite Hilbert spaces and non-hermitian Hamiltonians. With the exception of pseudo-Riemannian manifolds in GR, the problem of a consistent physical interpretation of these structures still waits to be faced. In print in Rev. Mex. Fis.
During the recent developments of quantum theory it has been clarified that the observable quantities (like energy or position) may be represented by operators (with real spectra) which are manifestly non-Hermitian. The mathematical consistency of the resulting models of stable quantum systems requires a reconstruction of an alternative, amended, physical inner product of states. We point out the less known fact that for more than one observable the task is not always feasible. The difficulty is re-analyzed and its elementary linear-algebraic interpretation and treatment are outlined.
New MiniBooNE excess interpretation using Pseudo-Hermitian neutrino oscillation
Sciences Departement, Teacher Education College of Setif（塞提夫师范学院科学系）；Laboratoire de Physique Mathematique et Subatomique, Universite Freres Mentouri Constantine 1（康斯坦丁1兄弟门图里大学数学与亚原子物理实验室）
In 1956, Freeman Dyson discovered that the practical solution of Schrödinger equation may be facilitated when one replaces the standard self-adjoint Hamiltonian $\mathfrak{h}=\mathfrak{h}^\dagger$ by its manifestly non-Hermitian isospectral avatar $H =Ω^{-1} \mathfrak{h} Ω$ with $Ω^\daggerΩ=Θ\neq I$. The standard unitary interpretation of the evolution can be then achieved either by the ``operator transformation'' (OT) reconstruction of $\mathfrak{h}$, or via a metric-amendment (MA) change of the Hilbert space, ${\cal H}_{auxiliary}\to {\cal H}_{physical}$. In our present letter we describe an…
In arXiv:0709.0483 Gunther and Samsonov outline a ``generalization'' of quantum mechanics that involves simultaneous consideration of Hermitian and non-Hermitian operators and promises to be ``capable to produce effects beyond those of standard Hermitian quantum mechanics.'' We give a simple physical interpretation of Hermiticity and discuss in detail the shortcomings of the above-mentioned composite quantum theory. In particular, we show that the corresponding ``generalization of measurement theory'' suffers from a dynamical inconsistency and that it is by no means adequate to replace the sta…
Examples are given of non-Hermitian Hamiltonian operators which have a real spectrum. Some of the investigated operators are expressed in terms of the generators of the Weil-Heisenberg algebra. It is argued that the existence of an involutive operator $\hat J$ which renders the Hamiltonian $\hat J$-Hermitian leads to the unambiguous definition of an associated positive definite norm allowing for the standard probabilistic interpretation of quantum mechanics. Non-Hermitian extensions of the Poeschl-Teller Hamiltonian are also considered. Hermitian counterparts obtained by similarity transformat…
A family of spherical non-Hermitian potentials is studied. It is shown that the corresponding non-Hermitian Hamiltonians admit some "new" P$phi$T$phi$-symmetry. It is observed that whilst such P$phi$T$phi$-symmetric Hamiltonians just copy the eigenvalues of V(r), the corresponding wavefunctions would rather indulge some new probabilistic interpretations due to the change in the azimuthal part.
We investigate the quantum-mechanical interpretation of models with non-Hermitian Hamiltonians and real spectra. After describing a general framework to reformulate such models in terms of Hermitian Hamiltonians defined on the Hilbert space $L_2(-\infty,\infty)$, we discuss the significance of the algebra of physical observables.
The non-Hermitian but $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric quantum field theories are known to have a pseudo-Hermitian interpretation. However the corresponding intertwining operator happens to be nonlocal that raises the question to what extent this nonlocality affects observable quantities. We consider the case when the intrinsic parity of the interaction terms is determined by degree of coupling constant. We show that the perturbative S-matrix of the equivalent Hermitian description can be easily obtained from the perturbative S-matrix of the non-Hermitian model. Namely, the first order vanishes wherea…
We present a formal geometric framework for the study of adiabatic quantum mechanics for arbitrary finite-dimensional non-degenerate Hamiltonians. This framework generalizes earlier holonomy interpretations of the geometric phase to non-cyclic states appearing for non-Hermitian Hamiltonians. We start with an investigation of the space of non-degenerate operators on a finite-dimensional state space. We then show how the energy bands of a Hamiltonian family form a covering space. Likewise, we show that the eigenrays form a bundle, a generalization of a principal bundle, which admits a natural co…
In recent years, non-Hermitian quantum physics has gained a lot in popularity in the quantum optics and condensed matter communities in order to model quantum systems with varying symmetries. In this paper, we identify a non-standard inner product that implies bosonic commutator relations for local electric and magnetic field observables and leads to a natural local biorthogonal description of the quantised electromagnetic field. When comparing this description with an alternative local Hermitian description, in which the states of local photonic particles - i.e. of so-called bosons localised …
The absolute value squared of the probability amplitude corresponding to the overlap of an initial state with a continuum wave solution to the Schrödinger equation of the problem, has the physical interpretation provided by the Born rule. Here, it is shown that for an open quantum system, the above probability may be written in an exact analytical fashion as an expansion in terms of the non-Hermitian resonance (quasinormal) states and complex poles to the problem which provides an underlying non-Hermitian character of the Born rule.
In the Schroedinger formulation of non-Hermitian quantum theories a positive-definite metric operator $η\equiv e^{-Q}$ must be introduced in order to ensure their probabilistic interpretation. This operator also gives an equivalent Hermitian theory, by means of a similarity transformation. If, however, quantum mechanics is formulated in terms of functional integrals, we show that the $Q$ operator makes only a subliminal appearance and is not needed for the calculation of expectation values. Instead, the relation to the Hermitian theory is encoded via the external source $j(t)$. These points ar…
A compact review is given, and a few new numerical results are added to the recent studies of the q-pointed one-dimensional star-shaped quantum graphs. These graphs are assumed endowed with certain specific, manifestly non-Hermitian point interactions, localized either in the inner vertex or in all of the outer vertices and carrying, in the latter case, an interesting zero-inflow interpretation.
The metric associated with a quasi-Hermitian Hamiltonian and its physical implications are scrutinised. Consequences of the non-uniqueness such as the question of the probability interpretation and the possible and forbidden choices of additional observables are investigated and exemplified by specific illustrative examples. In particular it is argued that the improper identification of observables lies at the origin of the claimed violation of the brachistchrone transition time between orthogonal states. The need for further physical input to remove ambiguities is pointed out.
An ensemble of 2 x 2 pseudo-Hermitian random matrices is constructed that possesses real eigenvalues with level-spacing distribution exactly as for the Gaussian Unitary Ensemble found by Wigner. By a re-interpretation of Connes' spectral interpretation of the zeros of the Riemann zeta function, we propose to enlarge the scope of search of the Hamiltonian connected with the celebrated Riemann Hypothesis by suggesting that the Hamiltonian could also be PT-symmetric (or pseudo-Hermitian).
Emergent Non-Biorthogonal Born Rule at Dynamical Quantum Phase Transitions
Asia Pacific Center for Theoretical Physics（亚太理论物理中心）；Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences（北京凝聚态物理国家实验室和中国科学院物理研究所）；School of Physics and Astronomy, Lancaster University（兰开斯特大学物理与天文学院）；New Cornerstone Science Laboratory（新基石科学实验室）；Department of Physics, Xiamen University（厦门大学物理系）
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 in 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.
Effective non-Hermitian Hamiltonians describing decaying systems are derived and analyzed in connection with the occurrence of possible Hilbert space partitioning, resulting in a confinement of the dynamics. In some cases, this fact can be interpreted properly as Zeno effect or Zeno dynamics, according to the dimension of the subspace one focuses on; in some other cases, the interpretation is more complicated and traceable back to a mix of Zeno phenomena and lack of resonance. Depending on the complex phases of the diagonal terms of the Hamiltonian, the system reacts in different ways, requiri…
A pseudo-Hermitian coupled-channel square-well model is proposed, solved and discussed. The domain of parameters is determined where all the bound-state energies (twice degenerate with respect to the second observable which we call "spin") remain real. The standard probabilistic interpretation of the wave functions is achieved by the transition from the original elementary non-physical indefinite pseudo-metric $θ$ to another, more involved but correct positive-definite physical metric $Θ$. In our model the latter step remains comparatively easily feasible. Another fortunate circumstance emerge…
Recently, it was established that there exists a direct relation between the non-Hermitian skin effects, -strong dependence of spectra on boundary conditions for non-Hermitian Hamiltonians-, and boundary zero modes for Hermitian topological insulators. On the other hand, in terms of the spectral theory, the skin effects can also be interpreted as instability of spectra for nonnormal (non-Hermitian) Hamiltonians. Applying the latter interpretation to the former relation, we develop a theory of zero modes with quantum anomaly for general Hermitian lattice systems. Our theory is applicable to a w…
We extend the application of the techniques developed within the framework of the pseudo-Hermitian quantum mechanics to study a unitary quantum system described by an imaginary PT-symmetric potential v(x) having a continuous real spectrum. For this potential that has recently been used, in the context of optical potentials, for modelling the propagation of electromagnetic waves travelling in a wave guide half and half filed with gain and absorbing media, we give a perturbative construction of the physical Hilbert space, observables, localized states, and the equivalent Hermitian Hamiltonian. I…
The Hartman effect refers to the rather paradoxical result that the time spent by a quantum mechanical particle or a photon to tunnel through an opaque potential barrier becomes independent of barrier width for long barriers. Such an effect, which has been observed in different physical settings, raised a lively debate and some controversies, owing to the correct definition and interpretation of tunneling times and the apparent superluminal transmission. A rather open question is whether (and under which conditions) the Hartman effect persists for inelastic scattering, i.e. when the potential …
