We propose to use exceptional points (EPs) to construct diffraction-free beam propagation and localized power oscillation in lattices. Specifically, here we propose two systems to utilize EPs for diffraction-free beam propagation, one in synthetic gauge lattices and the other one, in unidirectionally coupled resonators where each resonator individually is capable of creating orbital angular momentum beams (OAM). In the second system, we introduce the concept of robust and tunable OAM beam propagation in discrete lattices. We show that one can create robust OAM beams in an arbitrary number of sites of a photonic lattice. Furthermore, we report power oscillation at the EP of a non-Hermitian lattice. Our study widens the study and application of EPs in different photonic systems including the OAM beams and their associated dynamics in discrete lattices.
We construct localized beams that are located at the edge of a non-Hermitian Glauber Fock (NGF) lattice made of coupled waveguides and can propagate for a long distance without almost no diffraction. Specifically, we calculate the closed-form of the eigenstates at the exceptional point of a semi-infinite NGF lattice composed of waveguides which are coupled in a unidirectional manner. We use the closed-form solution to construct the non-diffracting beams in finite NGF lattices. We provide a numerical approach to find other lattices that are capable of supporting non-diffracting beams at an exce…
We study non-Hermitian photonic lattices that exhibit competition between conservative and non-Hermitian (gain/loss) couplings. A bipartite sublattice symmetry enforces the existence of non-Hermitian flat bands, which are typically embedded in an auxiliary dispersive band and give rise to non-diffracting "compact localized states". Band crossings take the form of non-Hermitian degeneracies known as exceptional points. Excitations of the lattice can produce either diffracting or amplifying behaviors. If the non-Hermitian coupling is fine-tuned to generate an effective $π$ flux, the lattice spec…
Comprehensive analysis of non-diffracting optical waves with binominal two-point coherence function (BCF) is presented. This coherence function consist of two terms, each depending on either separation of points or central point. We established the necessary and sufficient conditions for non-negative definiteness of the binominal coherence functions. Spectral analysis, including calculations of the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for the general BCF case is presented. We considered two simple BCF examples of and analyzed the conditions leading to the maximum irradiance contrast.
A laser exhibits both controllable gain and loss and, under proper design conditions, is an ideal non-Hermitian system allowing the direct observation and engineering of spectral singularities such as exceptional points (EPs). A dual section distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade laser (QCL) is a prototype of such a system, allowing the controlled coupling of a ladder of cavity Fabry-Perot (FP) modes to a quarter wave shifted DFB mode. Tuning the coupling strength and the gain difference between these two set of modes enables probing the regimes from weak coupling to strong coupling and th…
Unconventional Weyl points with topological charges higher than 1 can transform into various complex unconventional Weyl exceptional contours under non-Hermitian perturbations. However, theoretical studies of these exceptional contours have been limited to tight-binding models. Here, we propose to realize unconventional Weyl exceptional contours in photonic continua -- non-Hermitian anisotropic chiral plasma, based on ab initio calculation by Maxwell's equations. By perturbing in-plane permittivity, an unconventional Weyl point can transform into a quadratic Weyl exceptional circle, a Type-I W…
Standard exceptional points (EPs) are non-Hermitian degeneracies that occur in open systems. At an EP, the Taylor series expansion becomes singular and fails to converge -- a feature that was exploited for several applications. Here, we theoretically introduce and experimentally demonstrate a new class of parity-time symmetric systems [implemented using radio frequency (rf) circuits] that combine EPs with another type of mathematical singularity associated with the poles of complex functions. These nearly divergent exceptional points can exhibit an unprecedentedly large eigenvalue bifurcation …
Exceptional points are non-Hermitian degeneracies in open quantum and wave systems at which not only eigenenergies but also the corresponding eigenstates coalesce. This is in strong contrast to degeneracies known from conservative systems, so-called diabolic points, at which only eigenenergies degenerate. Here we connect these two kinds of degeneracies by introducing the concept of the distance of a given exceptional point in matrix space to the set of diabolic points. We prove that this distance determines an upper bound for the response strength of a non-Hermitian system with this exceptiona…
Exceptional points, with simultaneous coalescence of eigen-values and eigen-vectors, can be realized with non-Hermitian photonic systems. With the enhanced response, exceptional points have been proposed to improve the performance of photonic sensing. Recently, there are intense debate about the actual sensing advantage of exceptional points. The major concern is that intrinsic noise is also amplified at exceptional points. Here, we aim to clarify the contribution of exceptional points for photonic sensing. This is achieved by analyzing the condition to realize divergent quantum Fisher informa…
Exceptional points as branch singularities describe peculiar degeneracies of non-Hermitian systems that do not obey energy conservation. This work shows that exceptional points can emerge in a topological photonic system, for example, the topological photonic waveguide coupled with two degenerate counter-propagation topological whispering gallery modes. Such a photonic architecture is designed by crystal-symmetry-protected topological photonic insulators based on air rods in conventional dielectric materials. The relevant exceptional point reveals the breaking of the parity-time symmetry, refl…
We uncover the existence of Dirac and exceptional points in waveguides made of anisotropic materials, and study the transition between them. Dirac points in the dispersion diagram appear at propagation directions where the matrix describing the eigenvalue problem for bound states splits into two blocks, sorting the eigenmodes either by polarization or by inner mode symmetry. Introducing a non-Hermitian channel via a suitable leakage mechanism causes the Dirac points to transform into exceptional points connected by a Fermi arc. The exceptional points arise as improper hybrid leaky states and, …
Many novel properties of non-Hermitian systems are found at or near the exceptional points-branch points of complex energy surfaces at which eigenvalues and eigenvectors coalesce. In particular, higher-order exceptional points can result in optical structures that are ultrasensitive to external perturbations. Here we show that an arbitrary order exceptional point can be achieved in a simple system consisting of identical resonators placed near a waveguide. Unidirectional coupling between any two chiral dipolar states of the resonators mediated by the waveguide mode leads to the exceptional poi…
We report a planar 1D photonic bandgap waveguide exhibiting four second-order exceptional points (EP2s). The interactions between the selective pairs of supported quasi-guided TE modes are modulated by spatial distribution of transverse in-homogeneous gain-loss profile.
We show the recently discovered ghost waves - a special class of non-uniform electromagnetic waves in biaxial anisotropic media - can be used for optical sensing based on exceptional points. In addition to showing high sensitivity and precision, the proposed sensor employs simple planar geometry and is robust against noise.
Exploiting scattering-matrix in a gain-loss assisted optical-microcavity, interplay between asymmetric-state-conversion and cavity-control parameters around exceptional points is analyzed; where occupying a least area by coupled states during switching, maximum conversion-efficiency with minimal asymmetry is achieved.
A simple matrix model that has been used to describe essential features of a PT symmetric set-up of three coupled wave guides is investigated. The emphasis of the study lies on the occurrence of an exceptional point of third order. It is demonstrated that the eigenfunctions in close vicinity of the exceptional point have a distinctive chiral behaviour. Using data describing realistic situations it is argued that such chiral behaviour can be tested experimentally.
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…
We show the abundance of Exceptional Points in the generic asymmetric configuration of two coupled diode lasers, under nonzero optical detuning and differential pumping. We pinpoint the location of these points with respect to the stability domains and the Hopf bifurcation points, in the solution space as well as in the space of experimentally controlled parameters.
In non-hermitian systems, the particular position at which two eigenstates coalesce under a variation of a parameter in the complex plane is called an exceptional point. A non-perturbative theory is proposed which describes the evolution of modes in 2D open dielectric systems when permittivity distribution is modified. We successfully test this theory in a 2D disordered system to predict the position in the parameter space of the exceptional point between two Anderson-localized states. We observe that the accuracy of the prediction depends on the number of localized states accounted for. Such …
The photonic spin Hall effect (SHE), featured by a spin-dependent transverse shift of an impinging optical beam driven by its polarization handedness, has many applications including precise metrology and spin-based nanophotonic devices. It is highly desirable to control and enhance the photonic SHE. However, such a goal remains elusive, due to the weak spin-orbit interaction of light, especially for systems with optical loss. Here we reveal a flexible way to modulate the photonic SHE via exceptional points, by exploiting the transverse shift in a parity-time (PT) symmetric system with balance…
We present spectroscopic observation of an exceptional point or the transition point between diabatic crossing and avoided crossing of neighboring quasi-eigenmodes in a chaotic optical microcavity with a large size parameter. The transition to the avoided crossing was impeded until the degree of deformation exceeded a threshold deformation owing to the system's openness also enhanced by the shape deformation. As a result, a singular topology was observed around the exceptional point on the eigenfrequency surfaces, resulting in fundamental inconsistency in mode labeling.
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 demonstrate that the above-threshold behavior of a laser can be strongly affected by exceptional points which are induced by pumping the laser nonuniformly. At these singularities, the eigenstates of the non-Hermitian operator which describes the lasing modes coalesce. In their vicinity, the laser may turn off even when the overall pump power deposited in the system is increased. Such signatures of a pump- induced exceptional point can be experimentally probed with coupled ridge or microdisk lasers.
Exceptional points are degeneracies in non-Hermitian systems. A two-state system with parity-time (PT) symmetry usually has only one exceptional point beyond which the eigenmodes are PT-symmetry broken. The so-called symmetry recovery, i.e., eigenmodes become PT-symmetric again, typically occurs in multi-state systems. Here we show that a two-state ferromagnetic waveguide system can have an exceptional point and a subsequent symmetry recovery due to the presence of accidental degeneracy points when the system is lossless. By introducing a parameter space where both exceptional points reside, w…
Exceptional points in non-Hermitian systems have recently been shown to possess nontrivial topological properties, and to give rise to many exotic physical phenomena. However, most studies thus far have focused on isolated exceptional points or one-dimensional lines of exceptional points. Here, we substantially expand the space of exceptional systems by designing two-dimensional surfaces of exceptional points, and find that symmetries are a key element to protect such exceptional surfaces. We construct them using symmetry-preserving non-Hermitian deformations of topological nodal lines, and an…
Guided by the planar interface of two dissimilar linear, homogeneous mediums, a Voigt surface wave arises due to an exceptional point of either of the two matrixes necessary to describe the spatial characteristics in the direction normal to the planar interface. There is no requirement for either or both partnering mediums to be dissipative, unlike a Voigt plane wave which can propagate only in a dissipative medium.
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.
Evolution of resonant frequencies and resonant modes as dependent on the aspect ratio is considered in a dielectric high index spheroid. Because of rotational symmetry of the spheroid the solutions are separated by the azimuthal index $m$. By the two-fold variation of a refractive index and the aspect ratio we achieve exceptional points (EPs) at which the resonant frequencies and resonant modes are coalesced in the sectors $m=0$ for both TE and TM polarizations and $m=1$.
Planar microcavities allow the control and manipulation of spin-polarization, manifested in phenomena like the optical spin Hall effect due to the intrinsic polarization mode splitting. Here, we study a transparent microcavity with broken rotational symmetry, realized by aligning the optical axis of a uniaxial cavity material in the cavity plane. We demonstrate that the in-plane optical anisotropy gives rise to exceptional points in the dispersion relation, which occur pair-wise, are circularly polarized, and are cores of polarization vortices. These exceptional points are a result of the non-…
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…
The spectral, dynamical and topological properties of physical systems described by non-Hermitian (including $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric) Hamiltonians are deeply modified by the appearance of exceptional points and spectral singularities. Here we show that exceptional points in the continuum can arise in non-Hermitian (yet admitting and entirely real-valued energy spectrum) optical lattices with engineered defects. At an exceptional point, the lattice sustains a bound state with an energy embedded in the spectrum of scattered states, similar to the von-Neumann Wigner bound states in the continuum…
Exceptional points (EPs) are degeneracies in open wave systems where at least two energy levels and their corresponding eigenstates coalesce. We report evidence of the existence of EPs in 3D plasmonic nanostructures. The systems are composed of coupled plasmonic nanoresonators and can be judiciously and systematically driven to EPs by controlling symmetry-compatible modes via their near-field and far-field interactions. The proposed platform opens the way to the investigation of EPs for enhanced light-matter interactions and applications in communication, sensing and imaging.
Exceptional points, that are spectral degeneracies in the parameter space of non-Hermitian systems, have evoked a massive interest in the optical domain owing to their striking consequences on optical behavior of commonly known systems. Through careful engineering of gain and loss, exceptional points have been demonstrated in a variety of photonic systems ranging from optical fibers to chaotic cavities, exhibiting extra-ordinary phenomena and augmented functionalities. However, in the domain of disordered systems, there are still no realizations of exceptional points even though mode-coupling …
Higher-order exceptional points in the spectrum of non-Hermitian Hamiltonians describing open quantum or wave systems have a variety of potential applications in particular in optics and photonics. However, the experimental realization is notoriously difficult. Recently, Q. Zhong et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 203602 (2020)] have introduced a robust construction where a unidirectional coupling of two subsystems having exceptional points of the same order leads generically to a single exceptional point of twice the order. Here, we investigate this scheme in a different manner by exploiting the n…
We study mechanical cooling in systems of coupled passive (lossy) and active (with gain) optical resonators. We find that for a driving laser which is red-detuned with respect to the cavity frequency, the supermode structure of the system is radically changed, featuring the emergence of genuine high-order exceptional points. This in turn leads to giant enhancement of both the mechanical damping and the spring stiffness, facilitating low-power mechanical cooling in the vicinity of gain-loss balance. This opens up new avenues of steering micromechanical devices with exceptional points beyond the…
Recently a type of robust exceptional points was found that is insensitive to the coupling disorder in the bulk. Here we show that a disparity emerges when the number of coupled cavities in this one-dimensional array changes from even to odd. The robust exceptional point only exists in the former case, whereas the location of the exceptional point in the latter depends inversely on the size of the cavity array and is subjected to coupling disorder in the bulk. We further show that the exceptional points in these two cases are second and third order, respectively. We elucidate the origin of the…
We develop perturbative methods to study and control dynamical phenomena related to exceptional points in Non-Hermitian systems. In particular, we show how to find perturbative solutions based on the Magnus expansion that accurately describe the evolution of non-Hermitian systems when encircling an exceptional point. This allows us to use the recently proposed Magnus-based strategy for control to design fast non-reciprocal, topological operations whose fidelity error is orders of magnitude smaller than their much slower adiabatic counterparts.
The fundamental active photonic dimer consisting of two coupled quantum well lasers is investigated in the context of the rate equation model. Spectral transition properties and exceptional points are shown to occur under general conditions, not restricted by PT-symmetry as in coupled mode models, suggesting a paradigm shift in the field of non-Hermitian photonics. The optical spectral signatures of system bifurcations and exceptional points are manifested in terms of self-termination effects and observable drastic variations of the spectral line shape that can be controlled in terms of optica…
We study theoretically the dissipative Bose-Hubbard model describing array of tunneling-coupled cavities with non-conservative photon-photon interaction. Our calculation of the complex energy spectrum for the photon pairs reveals exceptional points where the two-photon states bound by nonlinear dissipation are formed. This improves fundamental understanding of the interplay of non-Hermiticity and interactions in the quantum structures and can be potentially used for on-demand nonlinear light generation in photonic lattices.
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…
Almost a decade ago, physicists encountered a strange quantum phenomenon that predicts an unusual death of entanglement under the influence of local noisy environment,known as entanglement sudden death (ESD). This could be an immediate stumbling block in realizing all the entanglement based quantum information and computation protocols. In this work, we propose a scheme to tackle such shortcomings by exploiting the phenomenon of exceptional points (EP). Starting with a binary mechanical $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetric system, realized over an optomechanical platform, we show that a substantial delay …
Parity-time (PT)-symmetric Hamiltonians have widespread significance in non-Hermitian physics. A PT-symmetric Hamiltonian can exhibit distinct phases with either real or complex eigenspectrum, while the transition points in between, the so-called exceptional points, give rise to a host of critical behaviors that holds great promise for applications. For spatially periodic non-Hermitian systems, PT symmetries are commonly characterized and observed in line with the Bloch band theory, with exceptional points dwelling in the Brillouin zone. Here, in nonunitary quantum walks of single photons, we …
Engineered non-Hermitian systems featuring exceptional points can lead to a host of extraordinary phenomena in diverse fields ranging from photonics, acoustics, opto-mechanics, electronics, to atomic physics. Here we introduce and present non-Hermitian dynamics of coupled optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) arising from phase-sensitive amplification and de-amplification, and show their distinct advantages over conventional non-Hermitian systems relying on laser gain and loss. OPO-based non-Hermitian systems can benefit from the instantaneous nature of the parametric gain, noiseless phase-sen…
We study optomechanically induced transparency in a microresonator coupled with nanoparticles. By tuning the relative angle of the nanoparticles, exceptional points (EPs) emerge periodically in this system and thus strongly modify both the transmission rate and the group delay of the signal. As a result, controllable slow-to-fast light switching can be achieved by manipulating external nanoparticles. This provides a new way to engineer EP-assisted optomechanical devices for applications in optical communications and signal processing.
