It is conjectured that the exceptional-point (EP) singularity of a one-parametric quasi-Hermitian $N$ by $N$ matrix Hamiltonian $H(t)$ can play the role of a quantum phase-transition interface connecting different dynamical regimes of a unitary quantum system. Six realizations of the EP-mediated quantum phase transitions "of the third kind" are described in detail. Fairly realistic Bose-Hubbard (BH) and discrete anharmonic oscillator (AO) models of any matrix dimension $N$ are considered in the initial, intermediate, or final phase. In such a linear algebraic illustration of the changes of phase, all ingredients (and, first of all, all transition matrices) are constructed in closed, algebraic, non-numerical form.
The efficient transfer of excitations between different levels of a quantum system is a task with many applications. Among the various protocols to carry out such a state transfer in driven systems, rapid adiabatic passage (RAP) is one of the most widely used. Here we show both theoretically and experimentally that adding a suitable amount of loss to the driven Hamiltonian turns a RAP protocol into a scheme for encircling an exceptional point including the chiral state transfer associated with it. Our work thus discloses an intimate connection between a whole body of literature on RAP and rece…
We revisit the complex time method for the application to quantum dynamics as an exceptional point is encircled in the parameter space of the Hamiltonian. The basic idea of the complex time method is using complex contour integration to perform the first-order adiabatic perturbation integral. In this way, the quantum dynamical problem is transformed to a study of singularities in the complex time plane -- transition points -- which represent complex degeneracies of the adiabatic Hamiltonian as the time-dependent parameters defining the encircling contour are analytically continued to complex p…
We examine the physical manifestations of exceptional points and passage times in a two-level system which is subjected to quantum measurements and which admits a non-Hermitian description. Using an effective Hamiltonian acting in the two-dimensional space spanned by the evolving initial and final states, the effects of highly precise quantum measurements in which the monitoring device interferes significantly with the evolution dynamics of the monitored two-level system is analysed. The dynamics of a multipartite system consisting of the two-level system, a source of external potential and th…
When a quantum system undergoes unitary evolution in accordance with a prescribed Hamiltonian, there is a class of states |psi> such that, after the passage of a certain time, |psi> is transformed into a state orthogonal to itself. The shortest time for which this can occur, for a given system, is called the passage time. We provide an elementary derivation of the passage time, and demonstrate that the known lower bound, due to Fleming, is typically attained, except for special cases in which the energy spectra have particularly simple structures. It is also shown, using a geodesic argument, t…
Floquet exceptional points correspond to the coalescence of two (or more) quasi-energies and corresponding Floquet eigenstates of a time-periodic non-Hermitian Hamiltonian. They generally arise when the oscillation frequency satisfies a multiphoton resonance condition. Here we discuss the interplay between Floquet exceptional points and the chiral dynamics observed, over several oscillation cycles, in a wide class of non-Hermitian systems when they are slowly cycled in opposite directions of parameter space.
In our recent paper (Li and Batchelor J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 48, 454005 (2015)) we obtained exceptional points in the eigenspectrum of the generalized Rabi model in terms of a set of algebraic equations. We also gave a proof for the number of roots of the constraint polynomials defining these exceptional solutions as a function of the system parameters and discussed the number of crossing points in the eigenspectrum. This approach however, only covered a subset of all exceptional points in the eigenspectrum. In this addendum, we clarify the distinction between the exceptional parts of the ei…
We show that the complex $\cal PT$-symmetric periodic potential $V(x) = - ({\rm i} ξ\sin 2x + N)^2$, where $ξ$ is real and $N$ is a positive integer, is quasi-exactly solvable. For odd values of $N \ge 3$, it may lead to exceptional points depending upon the strength of the coupling parameter $ξ$. The corresponding Schrödinger equation is also shown to go over to the Mathieu equation asymptotically. The limiting value of the exceptional points derived in our scheme is consistent with known branch-point singularities of the Mathieu equation.
We consider a single layer graphene nanoribbon with armchair edges in a longitudinally constant external potential and point out that its transport properties can be described by means of an effective non-Hermitian Hamiltonian. We show that this system has some features typical of dissipative systems, namely the presence of exceptional points and of PT-symmetry breaking, although it is not dissipative.
We propose an interacting nonhermitian model described by a two-mode quadratic Hamiltonian along with an interaction term to locate and analyze the presence of an exceptional point in the system. Each mode is guided by a Swanson-like quadratic Hamiltonian and a suitable choice is made for the interaction term. The parity-time symmetric transformation is adopted in the standard way relevant for a coupled system.
The Lindblad equation for a two-level system under an electric field is analyzed by mapping to a linear equation with a non-Hermitian matrix. Exceptional points of the matrix are found to be extensive; the second-order ones are located on lines in a two-dimensional parameter space, while the third-order one is at a point.
Exceptional points are universal level degeneracies induced by non-Hermiticity. Whereas past decades witnessed their new physics, the unified understanding has yet to be obtained. Here we present the complete classification of generic topologically stable exceptional points according to two types of complex-energy gaps and fundamental symmetries of charge conjugation, parity, and time reversal. This classification reveals unique non-Hermitian gapless structures with no Hermitian analogs and systematically predicts unknown non-Hermitian semimetals and nodal superconductors; a topological dumbbe…
We study theoretically the population transfer in two-level atoms driven by chirped lasers. It is known that in the Hermitian case, the rapid adiabatic passage (RAP) is stable for an above-critical chirp below which the final populations of states Rabi oscillate with varying laser power. We show that if the excited state is represented by a resonance, the separatrix marking this critical phenomenon in the space of the laser pulse parameters emanates from an exceptional point (EP) -- a non-Hermitian singularity formed in the atomic system by the fast laser field oscillations and encircled due t…
We provide classification of gapless phases in non-Hermitian systems according to two types of complex-energy gaps: point gap and line gap. We show that exceptional points, at which not only eigenenergies but also eigenstates coalesce, are characterized by gap closing of point gaps with nontrivial topological charges. Moreover, we find that bulk Fermi arcs accompanying exceptional points are robust because of topological charges for real line gaps. On the basis of the classification, some examples are also discussed.
We consider the complex $ν$ plane structure of the associated Legendre function of the second kind $Q^{-1/2-K}_ν(\coshρ)$. We find that for any noninteger value for $K$ $Q^{-1/2-K}_ν(\coshρ)$ has an infinite number of poles in the complex $ν$ plane, but for any negative integer $K$ there are no poles at all. For $K=0$ or any positive integer $K$ there is only a finite number of poles, with there only being one single pole (at $ν=0$) when $K=0$. This pattern is characteristic of the exceptional points that appear in a wide variety of physical contexts. However, unusually for theories with excep…
Resolutions of identity for certain non-Hermitian Hamiltonians constructed from biorthogonal sets of their eigen- and associated functions are given for the spectral problem defined on entire axis. Non-Hermitian Hamiltonians under consideration possess the continuous spectrum and the following peculiarities are investigated: (1) the case when there is an exceptional point of arbitrary multiplicity situated on a boundary of continuous spectrum; (2) the case when there is an exceptional point situated inside of continuous spectrum. The reductions of the derived resolutions of identity under narr…
Exceptional points associated with non-hermitian operators, i.e. operators being non-hermitian for real parameter values, are investigated. The specific characteristics of the eigenfunctions at the exceptional point are worked out. Within the domain of real parameters the exceptional points are the points where eigenvalues switch from real to complex values. These and other results are exemplified by a classical problem leading to exceptional points of a non-hermitian matrix.
Exceptional points are singularities of eigenvalues and eigenvectors for complex values of, say, an interaction parameter. They occur universally and are square root branch point singularities of the eigenvalues in the vicinity of level repulsions. The intricate connection between the distribution of exceptional points and particular fluctuation properties of level spacing is discussed. The distribution of the exceptional points of the problem $H_0+λH_1$ is given for the situation of hard chaos. Theoretical predictions of local properties of exceptional points have recently been confirmed expe…
Two damped coupled oscillators have been used to demonstrate the occurrence of exceptional points in a purely classical system. The implementation was achieved with electronic circuits in the kHz-range. The experimental results perfectly match the mathematical predictions at the exceptional point. A discussion about the universal occurrence of exceptional points -- connecting dissipation with spatial orientation -- concludes the paper.
We identify a general connection between the physics of exceptional points in non-Hermitian systems and the few-photon bound states in waveguide quantum electrodynamics (QED) systems. We show that, in waveguide QED systems where the local quantum system exhibits an exceptional point, the tightest-bound few-photon bound state occurs at the exceptional point. We illustrate this connection with an explicit computation on a waveguide QED system in which a waveguide is coupled to a Jaynes-Cummings system. Our result provides a quantum signature of the exceptional point physics and indicates that th…
Exceptional points are singularities of the spectrum and wave functions which occur in connection with level repulsion. They are accessible in experiments using dissipative systems. It is shown that the wave function at an exceptional point is one specific superposition of two wave functions which are themselves specified by the exceptional point. The phase relation of this superposition brings about a chirality which should be detectable in an experiment.
Eigenvectors of decaying quantum systems are studied at exceptional points of the Hamiltonian. Special attention is paid to the properties of the system under time reversal symmetry breaking. At the exceptional point the chiral character of the system -- found for time reversal symmetry -- generically persists. It is, however, no longer circular but rather elliptic.
Non-hermitian quantum systems can exhibit spectral degeneracies known as exceptional points, where two or more eigenvectors coalesce, leading to a non-diagonalizable Jordan block. It is known that symmetries can enhance the abundance of exceptional points in non-interacting systems. Here, we investigate the fate of such symmetry protected exceptional points in the presence of a symmetry preserving interaction between fermions and find that, (i) exceptional points are stable in the presence of the interaction. Their propagation through the parameter space leads to the formation of characteristi…
Recently, the quantum brachistochrone problem is discussed in the literature by using non-Hermitian Hamilton operators of different type. Here, it is demonstrated that the passage time is tunable in realistic open quantum systems due to the biorthogonality of the eigenfunctions of the non-Hermitian Hamilton operator. As an example, the numerical results obtained by Bulgakov et al. for the transmission through microwave cavities of different shape are analyzed from the point of view of the brachistochrone problem. The passage time is shortened in the crossover from the weak-coupling to the stro…
An example of exceptional points in the continuous spectrum of a real, pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonian of von Neumann-Wigner type is presented and discussed. Remarkably, these exceptional points are associated with a double pole in the normalization factor of the Jost eigenfunctions normalized to unit flux at infinity. At the exceptional points, the two unnormalized Jost eigenfunctions are no longer linearly independent but coalesce to give rise to two Jordan cycles of generalized bound state eigenfunctions embedded in the continuum and a Jordan block representation of the Hamiltonian. The regula…
Exceptional points are complex-valued spectral singularities that lead to a host of intriguing features such as loss-induced transparency - a counterintuitive process in which an increase in the system's overall loss can lead to enhanced transmission. In general, the associated enhancements scale with the order of the exceptional points. Consequently, it is of great interest to devise new strategies to implement realistic devices capable of exhibiting high-order exceptional points. Here, we show that high-order N-photon exceptional points can be generated by exciting non-hermitian waveguide ar…
Exceptional points, at which two or more eigenfunctions of a Hamiltonian coalesce, occur in non-Hermitian systems and lead to surprising physical effects. In particular, the behaviour of a system under parameter variation can differ significantly from the familiar Hermitian case in the presence of exceptional points. Here we analytically derive the probability of a non-adiabatic transition in a two-level system driven through two consecutive exceptional points at finite speed. The system is Hermitian far away from the exceptional points. In the adiabatic limit an equal redistribution between t…
The exceptional points of non-Hermitian systems, where $n$ different energy eigenstates merge into an identical one, have many intriguing properties that have no counterparts in Hermitian systems. In particular, the $ε^{1/n}$ dependence of the energy level splitting on a perturbative parameter $ε$ near an $n$-th order exceptional point stimulates the idea of metrology with arbitrarily high sensitivity, since the susceptibility $dε^{1/n}/dε$ diverges at the exceptional point. Here we theoretically study the sensitivity of parameter estimation near the exceptional points, using the exact formali…
Exceptional points describe the coalescence of the eigenmodes of a non-Hermitian matrix. When an exceptional point occurs in the unitary evolution of a many-body system, it generically leads to a dynamical instability with a finite wavevector [N. Bernier \etal, Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 065303 (2014)]. Here, we study exceptional points in the context of the counterflow instability of colliding Bose-Einstein condensates. We show that the instability of this system is due to an exceptional point in the Bogoliubov spectrum. We further clarify the connection of this effect to the Landau criterion of s…
We reveal a novel topological property of the exceptional points in a two-level parity-time symmetric system and then propose a scheme to detect the topological exceptional points in the system, which is embedded in a larger Hilbert space constructed by a four-level cold atomic system. We show that a tunable parameter in the presented system for simulating the non-Hermitian Hamiltonian can be tuned to swept the eigenstates through the exceptional points in parameter space. The non-trivial Berry phases of the eigenstates obtained in this loop from the exceptional points can be measured by the a…
Phase transitions in open quantum systems, which are associated with the formation of collective states of a large width and of trapped states with rather small widths, are related to exceptional points of the Hamiltonian. Exceptional points are the singularities of the spectrum and eigenfunctions, when they are considered as functions of a coupling parameter. In the present paper this parameter is the coupling strength to the continuum. It is shown that the positions of the exceptional points (their accumulation point in the thermodynamical limit) depend on the particular type and energy depe…
In this manuscript, working with a binary mechanical system, we examine the effect of quantum gravity on the exceptional points of the system. On the one side, we find that the exceedingly weak effect of quantum gravity can be sensed via pushing the system towards a second-order exceptional point, where the spectra of the non-Hermitian system exhibits non-analytic and even discontinuous behavior. On the other side, the gravity perturbation will affect the sensitivity of the system to deposition mass. In order to further enhance the sensitivity of the system to quantum gravity, we extend the sy…
We show a parameter-dependent $3\times 3$ non-Hermitian matrix that exhibits both degeneracy and coalescence of eigenvalues at an exceptional point (Hermitian and non-Hermitian degeneracies). This simple non-Hermitian model is suitable for the discussion of those concepts in an undergraduate or graduate course on quantum-mechanics. We also study the symmetry group responsible for the degeneracy.
Open quantum and wave systems exhibit exotic degeneracies at exceptional points in parameter space that have attracted considerable attention in various fields of physics, including optics and photonics. One reason is the strong response of open systems at such degeneracies to external perturbations and excitations. We introduce two characteristics of exceptional points that quantify the response in terms of energy eigenvalues and eigenstates, intensity, and dynamics. The concept is verified for several physically relevant examples. This work provides a new perspective on the physics of except…
We consider an N-level non-Hermitian Hamiltonian with an exceptional point of order N. We define adiabatic equivalence in such systems and explore topological phase. We show that the topological exceptional states appear at the interface of topologically distinct systems. We discuss that topological states appear even in closed systems. We explore dynamical robustness of exceptional edge states.
Level repulsion is associated with exceptional points which are square root singularities of the energies as functions of a (complex) interaction parameter. This is also valid for resonance state energies. Using this concept it is argued that level anti-crossing (crossing) must imply crossing (anti-crossing) of the corresponding widths of the resonance states. Further, itis shown that an encircling of an exceptional point induces a phase change of one wave function but not of the other. An experimental setup is discussed where this phase behaviour which differs from the one encountered at a di…
A cranking harmonic oscillator model, widely used for the physics of fast rotating nuclei and Bose-Einstein condensates, is re-investigated in the context of PT-symmetry. The instability points of the model are identified as exceptional points. It is argued that - even though the Hamiltonian appears hermitian at first glance - it actually is not hermitian within the region of instability.
The motivation for this theoretical paper comes from recent experiments of a heat transfer system of two thermally coupled rings rotating in opposite directions with equal angular velocities that present anti-parity-time (APT) symmetry. The theoretical model predicted a rest-to-motion temperature distribution phase transition during the symmetry breaking for a particular rotation speed. In this work we show that the system exhibits a parity-time ($\mathcal{PT}$) phase transition at the exceptional point in which eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the corresponding non-Hermitian Hamiltonian coales…
The exceptional point, known as the non-Hermitian degeneracy, has special topological structure, leading to various counterintuitive phenomena and novel applications, which are refreshing our cognition of quantum physics. One particularly intriguing behavior is the mode switch phenomenon induced by dynamically encircling an exceptional point in the parameter space. While these mode switches have been explored in classical systems, the experimental investigation in the quantum regime remains elusive due to the difficulty of constructing time-dependent non-Hermitian Hamiltonians in a real quantu…
Exceptional points, resulting from non-Hermitian degeneracies, have the potential to enhance the capabilities of quantum sensing. Thus, finding exceptional points in different quantum systems is vital for developing such future sensing devices. Taking advantage of the enhanced light-matter interactions in a confined volume on a metal nanoparticle surface, here we theoretically demonstrate the existence of exceptional points in a system consisting of quantum emitters coupled to a metal nanoparticle of subwavelength scale. By using an analytical quantum electrodynamics approach, exceptional poin…
The non-Hermitian dynamics of open systems deal with how intricate coherent effects of a closed system intertwine with the impact of coupling to an environment. The system-environment dynamics can then lead to so-called exceptional points, which are the open-system marker of phase transitions, i.e., the closing of spectral gaps in the complex spectrum. Even in the ubiquitous example of the damped harmonic oscillator, the dissipative environment can lead to an exceptional point, separating between under-damped and over-damped dynamics at a point of critical damping. Here, we examine the fate of…
We review some recent work on the occurrence of coalescing eigenstates at exceptional points in non-Hermitian systems and their influence on physical quantities. We particularly focus on quantum dynamics near exceptional points in open quantum systems, which are described by an outwardly Hermitian Hamiltonian that gives rise to a non-Hermitian effective description after one projects out the environmental component of the system. We classify the exceptional points into two categories: those at which two or more resonance states coalesce and those at which at least one resonance and the partner…
Equivalent approaches to determine eigenfrequencies of the Liouvillians of open quantum systems are discussed using the solution of the Heisenberg-Langevin equations and the corresponding equations for operator moments. A simple damped two-level atom is analyzed to demonstrate the equivalence of both approaches. The suggested method is used to reveal the structure as well as eigenfrequencies of the dynamics matrices of the corresponding equations of motion and their degeneracies for interacting bosonic modes described by general quadratic Hamiltonians. Quantum Liouvillian exceptional and diabo…
The dynamics of a quantum phase transition is inextricably woven with the formation of excitations, as a result of the critical slowing down in the neighborhood of the critical point. We design a transitionless quantum driving through a quantum critical point that allows one to access the ground state of the broken-symmetry phase by a finite-rate quench of the control parameter. The method is illustrated in the one-dimensional quantum Ising model in a transverse field. Driving through the critical point is assisted by an auxiliary Hamiltonian, for which the interplay between the range of the i…
We use the exceptional point in Hopfield-Bogoliubov matrix to find the phase transition points in the bosonic system. In many previous jobs, the excitation energy vanished at the critical point. It can be stated equivalently that quantum critical point is obtained when the determinant of Hopfield-Bogoliubov matrix vanishes. We analytically obtain the Hopfield-Bogoliubov matrix corresponding to the general quadratic Hamiltonian. For single-mode system the appearance of the exceptional point in Hopfield-Bogoliubov matrix is equivalent to the disappearance of the determinant of Hopfield-Bogoliubo…
Liouvillian Exceptional Points in Quantum Brickwork Circuits
Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana（卢布尔雅那大学数学物理学院）；Department of Physics, University of Wuppertal（伍珀塔尔大学物理系）；Dipartimento di Fisica “E.R. Caianiello”, and INFN Sezione di Napoli - Gruppo Collegato di Salerno, Università di Salerno（萨莱诺大学E.R.卡伊涅洛物理系及意大利国家核物理研究所那不勒斯分部萨莱诺协作组）
Non-Hermitian quantum systems with explicit time dependence are of ever-increasing importance. There are only a handful of models that have been analytically studied in this context. Here, a PT-symmetric non-Hermitian $N$-level Landau-Zener type problem with two exceptional points of $N$th order is introduced. The system is Hermitian for asymptotically large times, far away from the exceptional points, and has purely imaginary eigenvalues between the exceptional points. The full Landau-Zener transition probabilities are derived, and found to show a characteristic binomial behaviour. In the adi…
It is shown that the two experiments Dembowski et al., PRL 86, 787 (2001), and Lauber et al., PRL 72, 1004 (1994), prove the same topological singularity. The phase changes found in both experiments are related to a second order branch point in the complex plane.
Tuning topological phases and exceptional points in a non-Hermitian Rice Mele model beyond nearest neighbors
Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC)（圣塞巴斯蒂安国际物理中心）；Chemistry Faculty (UPV/EHU)（巴斯克地区理工大学化学学院）；IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science（伊克拉巴斯基奎巴斯克科学基金会）；Wrocław University of Science and Technology（弗罗茨瓦夫科技大学）
Parity-time (PT) symmetric systems have two distinguished phases, e.g., one with real energy eigenvalues and the other with complex conjugate eigenvalues. To enter one phase from the other, it is believed that the system must pass through an exceptional point, which is a non-Hermitian degenerate point with coalesced eigenvalues and eigenvectors. In this letter we reveal an anomalous PT transition that takes place away from an exceptional point in a nonlinear system: as the nonlinearity increases, the original linear system evolves along two distinct PT-symmetric trajectories, each of which can…
