Exact solvability of some non-Hermitian $η$-weak-pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonians is explored as a byproduct of $η$-weak-pseudo-Hermiticity generators. A class of V_{eff}(x)=V(x)+iW(x) potentials is considered, where the imaginary part W(x) is used as an $η$-weak-pseudo-Hermiticity generator to obtain exactly solvable $η$-weak-pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonian models.
A complexified von Roos Hamiltonian is considered and a Hermitian first-order intertwining differential operator is used to obtain the related position dependent mass $η$-weak-pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonians. Using a Liouvillean-type change of variables, the $η$-weak-pseudo-Hermitian von Roos Hamiltonians H(x) are mapped into the traditional Schrodinger Hamiltonian form H(q), where exact isospectral correspondence between H(x) and H(q) is obtained. Under a user-friendly position dependent mass settings, it is observed that for each exactly-solvable $η$-weak-pseudo-Hermitian reference-Hamiltonian…
For a weakly pseudo-Hermitian linear operator, we give a spectral condition that ensures its pseudo-Hermiticity. This condition is always satisfied whenever the operator acts in a finite-dimensional Hilbert space. Hence weak pseudo-Hermiticity and pseudo-Hermiticity are equivalent in finite-dimensions. This equivalence extends to a much larger class of operators. Quantum systems whose Hamiltonian is selected from among these operators correspond to pseudo-Hermitian quantum systems possessing certain symmetries.
We inquire into some properties of diagonalizable pseudo-Hermitian operators, showing that their definition can be relaxed and that the pseudo-Hermiticity property is strictly connected with the existence of an antilinear symmetry. This result is then illustrated by considering the particular case of the complex Morse potential.
A class of non-Hermitian d-dimensional Hamiltonias with position dependent mass and their $η$-pseudo-Hermiticity generators is presented. Illustrative examples are given in 1D, 2D, and 3D for different position dependent mass settings.
We propose that the real spectrum and the orthogonality of the states for several known complex potentials of both types, PT-symmetric and non-PT-symmetric can be understood in terms of currently proposed $η$-pseudo-Hermiticity (Mostafazadeh, quant-ph/0107001) of a Hamiltonian, provided the Hermitian linear automorphism, $η$, is introduced as $e^{-θp}$ which affects an imaginary shift of the co-ordinate : $e^{-θp} x e^{θp} = x+iθ$.
Discrete PT-symmetric square wells are studied. Their wave functions are found proportional to classical Tshebyshev polynomials of complex argument. The compact secular equations for energies are derived giving the real spectra in certain intervals of non-Hermiticity strengths Z. It is amusing to notice that although the known square well re-emerges in the usual continuum limit, a twice as rich, upside-down symmetric spectrum is exhibited by all its present discretized predecessors.
It is known that the standard and the inverted harmonic oscillator are different. Replacing thus of ω by iω in the regular oscillator is necessary going to give the inverted oscillator H^{r}. This replacement would lead to anti- PT-symmetric harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian (iH^{os}). The pseudo-hermiticity relation has been used here to relate the anti-PT-symmetric harmonic Hamiltonian to the inverted oscillator. By using a simple algebra, we introduce the ladder operators describing the inverted harmonic oscillator to reproduce the analytical solutions.We construct the inverted coherent state…
The main achievements of Pseudo-Hermitian Quantum Mechanics and its distinction with the indefinite-metric quantum theories are reviewed. The issue of the non-uniqueness of the metric operator and its consequences for defining the observables are discussed. A systematic perturbative expression for the most general metric operator is offered and its application for a toy model is outlined.
Pseudo-Hermitian operators appear in the solution of Maxwell's equations for stationary non-dispersive media with arbitrary (space-dependent) permittivity and permeability tensors. We offer an extension of the results in this direction to certain stationary dispersive media. In particular, we use the WKB approximation to derive an explicit expression for the planar time-harmonic solutions of Maxwell's equations in an inhomogeneous dispersive medium and study the combined affect of inhomogeneity and dispersion.
Recently some authors have broadened the scope of canonical quantum mechanics by replacing the conventional Hermiticity condition on the Hamiltonian by a weaker requirement through the introduction of the notion of pseudo-Hermiticity. In the present study we investigate eigenvalues, transmission and reflection from complex optical potentials enjoying the property of pseudo-Hermiticity.
We discuss certain features of pseudo-Hermiticity and weak pseudo-Hermiticity conditions and point out that, contrary to a recent claim, there is no inconsistency if the correct orthogonality condition is used for the class of pseudo-Hermitian, PT-symmetric Hamiltonians of the type $H_β = [p + {\rm i} βν(x)]^2/2m + V(x)$.
Emphasizing the physical constraints on the formulation of a quantum theory based on the standard measurement axiom and the Schroedinger equation, we comment on some conceptual issues arising in the formulation of PT-symmetric quantum mechanics. In particular, we elaborate on the requirements of the boundedness of the metric operator and the diagonalizability of the Hamiltonian. We also provide an accessible account of a Krein-space derivation of the CPT-inner product that was widely known to mathematicians since 1950's. We show how this derivation is linked with the pseudo-Hermitian formulati…
In a pre-selected Hilbert space of quantum states the unitarity of the evolution is usually guaranteed via a pre-selection of the generator (i.e., of the Hamiltonian operator) in self-adjoint form. In fact, the simultaneous use of both of these pre-selections is overrestrictive. One should be allowed to make a given Hamiltonian self-adjoint only after an {\em ad hoc} generalization of Hermitian conjugation. We argue that in the generalized, hidden-Hermiticity scenario with nontrivial metric, the current concept of solvability (meaning, most often, the feasibility of a non-numerical diagonaliza…
A class of spherically symmetric non-Hermitian Hamiltonians and their η-weak-pseudo-Hermiticity generators are presented. An operators-based procedure is introduced so that the results for the 1D Schrodinger Hamiltonian may very well be reproduced. A generalization beyond the nodeless states is proposed. Our illustrative examples include η-weak-pseudo-Hermiticity generators for the non-Hermitian weakly perturbed 1D and radial oscillators, the non-Hermitian perturbed radial Coulomb, and the non-Hermitian radial Morse models.
The Hermitian systems possess unitary scattering; however, the Hermiticity is unnecessary for a unitary scattering although the scattering under the influence of non-Hermiticity is mostly non-unitary. Here we prove that the unitary scattering is protected by certain type of pseudo-Hermiticity and unaffected by the degree of non-Hermiticity. The energy conservation is violated in the scattering process and recovers after scattering. The subsystem of the pseudo-Hermitian scattering center including only the connection sites is Hermitian. These findings provide fundamental insights on the unitary…
For a given pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonian of the standard form: H=p^2/2m+v(x), we reduce the problem of finding the most general (pseudo-)metric operator ηsatisfying H^\dagger=ηH η^{-1} to the solution of a differential equation. If the configuration space is the real line, this is a Klein-Gordon equation with a nonconstant mass term. We obtain a general series solution of this equation that involves a pair of arbitrary functions. These characterize the arbitrariness in the choice of η. We apply our general results to calculate ηfor the PT-symmetric square well, an imaginary scattering potentia…
A Hermitian and an anti-Hermitian first-order intertwining operators are introduced and a class of $η$-weak-pseudo-Hermitian position-dependent mass (PDM) Hamiltonians are constructed. A corresponding reference-target $η$-weak-pseudo-Hermitian PDM -- Hamiltonians' map is suggested. Some $η$-weak-pseudo-Hermitian PT -symmetric Scarf II and periodic-type models are used as illustrative examples. Energy-levels crossing and flown-away states phenomena are reported for the resulting Scarf II spectrum. Some of the corresponding $η$-weak-pseudo-Hermitian Scarf II- and periodic-type-isospectral models…
Parallels between the notions of nonlinear pseudobosons and of an apparent non-Hermiticity of observables as shown in paper I (arXiv: 1109.0605) are demonstrated to survive the transition to the quantum models based on the use of unbounded metric in the Hilbert space of states.
We study a two-dimensional exactly solvable non-Hermitian $PT-$non-symmetric quantum model with real spectrum, which is not amenable to separation of variables, by supersymmetrical methods. Here we focus attention on the property of pseudo-Hermiticity, biorthogonal expansion and pseudo-metric operator. To our knowledge this is the first time that pseudo-Hermiticity is realized explicitly for a nontrivial two-dimensional case. It is shown that the Hamiltonian of the model is not diagonalizable.
The increasingly popular concept of a hidden Hermiticity of operators (i.e., of their Hermiticity with respect to an {\it ad hoc} inner product in Hilbert space) is compared with the recently introduced notion of {\em non-linear pseudo-bosons}. The formal equivalence between these two notions is deduced under very general assumptions. Examples of their applicability in quantum mechanics are discussed.
Pseudo-Hermitian operators can be used in modeling electromagnetic wave propagation in stationary lossless media. We extend this method to a class of non-dispersive anisotropic media that may display loss or gain. We explore three concrete models to demonstrate the utility of our general results and reveal the physical meaning of pseudo-Hermiticity and quasi-Hermiticity of the relevant wave operator. In particular, we consider a uniaxial model where this operator is not diagonalizable. This implies left-handedness of the medium in the sense that only clockwise circularly polarized plane-wave s…
We introduce the notion of pseudo-Hermiticity and show that every Hamiltonian with a real spectrum is pseudo-Hermitian. We point out that all the PT-symmetric non-Hermitian Hamiltonians studied in the literature belong to the class of pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonians, and argue that the basic structure responsible for the particular spectral properties of these Hamiltonians is their pseudo-Hermiticity. We explore the basic properties of general pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonians, develop pseudo-supersymmetric quantum mechanics, and study some concrete examples, namely the Hamiltonian of the two-compon…
We give a necessary and sufficient condition for the reality of the spectrum of a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian admitting a complete set of biorthonormal eigenvectors.
The recently introduced two- and three-parameter ($p,q$)- and ($p,q,μ$)-deformed extensions of the Heisenberg algebra were explored under the condition of their connectedness with the respective nonstandard (other than known ones) deformed quantum oscillator algebras. In this paper we show that such connection dictates certain new $η(N)$-pseudo-Hermitian conjugation rule between the creation and annihilation operators, with $η(N)$ depending on the particle number operator $N$. In turn, that leads to the related $η(N)$-pseudo-Hermiticity of the position/momentum operators, though the involved H…
When a non-hermitian hamiltonian has a certain symmetry, such as the PT pseudo-hermiticity, it is still possible that the hamiltonian has a real spectrum. In this note, by adding an imaginary potential proportional to ip_1p_2 to the hamiltonian of an anisotropic planar oscillator, we construct a PT pseudo-hermitian hamiltonian and obtain its real spectrum. In addition, we find that the reality of the energy spectrum remains when the model is extended to the canonical noncommutative space.
We consider the special type of pseudo-bosonic systems that can be mapped to standard bosons by means of generalized Bogoliubov transformation and demonstrate that a pseudo-Hermitian systems can be obtained from them by means of a second subsequent Bogoliubov transformation. We employ these operators in a simple model and study three different types of scenarios for the constraints on the model parameters giving rise to a Hermitian system, a pseudo-Hermitian system in which the second the Bogoliubov transformations is equivalent to the associated Dyson map and one in which we obtain D-quasi ba…
We exploit the hidden symmetry structure of a recently proposed non-Hermitian Hamiltonian and of its Hermitian equivalent one. This sheds new light on the pseudo-Hermitian character of the former and allows access to a generalized quantum condition. Special cases lead to hyperbolic and Morse-like potentials in the framework of a coordinate-dependent mass model.
We examine the possibility of artificial Hawking radiation by proposing a non-PT-symmetric weakly pseudo-Hermitian two-band model containing a tilting parameter by pursuing Weyl semimetal blackhole analogy. We determine the tunnelling probability using such a Hamiltonian through the event horizon that acts as a classically forbidden barrier.
We study SUSY-intertwining for non-Hermitian Hamiltonians with special emphasis to the two-dimensional generalized Morse potential, which does not allow for separation of variables. The complexified methods of SUSY-separation of variables and two-dimensional shape invariance are used to construct particular solutions - both for complex conjugated energy pairs and for non-paired complex energies.
We express the electromagnetic field propagating in an arbitrary time-independent non-dispersive medium in terms of an operator that turns out to be pseudo-Hermitian for Hermitian dielectric and magnetic permeability tensors Epsilon and Mu. We exploit this property to determine the propagating field. In particular, we obtain an explicit expression for a planar field in an isotropic medium with Epsilon and Mu varying along the direction of the propagation. We also study the scattering of plane waves due to a localized inhomogeneity.
For a given standard Hamiltonian H=[p-A(x)]^2/(2m)+V(x) with arbitrary complex scalar potential V and vector potential A, with x real, we construct an invertible antilinear operator τsuch that H is τ-anti-pseudo-Hermitian, i.e., H^\dagger=τHτ^{-1}. We use this result to give the explicit form of a linear Hermitian invertible operator with respect to which any standard PT-symmetric Hamiltonian with a real degree of freedom is pseudo-Hermitian. Our results do not make use of the assumption that H is diagonalizable or that its spectrum is discrete.
We study certain linear and antilinear symmetry generators and involution operators associated with pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonians and show that the theory of pseudo-Hermitian operators provides a simple explanation for the recent results of Bender, Brody and Jones (quant-ph/0208076) on the CPT-symmetry of a class of PT-symmetric non-Hermitian Hamiltonians. We present a natural extension of these results to the class of diagonalizable pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonians H with a discrete spectrum. In particular, we introduce generalized parity (${\cal P}$), time-reversal (${\cal T}$), and charge-conj…
We prove that in finite dimensions, a Parity-Time (PT)-symmetric Hamiltonian is necessarily pseudo-Hermitian regardless of whether it is diagonalizable or not. This result is different from Mostafazadeh's, which requires the Hamiltonian to be diagonalizable. PT-symmetry breaking often occurs at exceptional points where the Hamiltonian is not diagonalizable. Our result implies that PT-symmetry breaking is equivalent to the onset of instabilities of pseudo-Hermitian systems, which was systematically studied by Krein et al. in 1950s. In particular, we show that the mechanism of PT-symmetry breaki…
For an invertible (bounded) linear operator Q acting in a Hilbert space ${\cal H}$, we consider the consequences of the QT-symmetry of a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian $H:{\cal H}\to{\cal H}$ where T is the time-reversal operator. If H is symmetric in the sense that ${\cal T} H^\dagger {\cal T}=H$, then QT-symmetry is equivalent to Q^{-1}-weak-pseudo-Hermiticity. But in general this equivalence does not hold. We show this using some specific examples. Among these is a large class of non-PT-symmetric Hamiltonians that share the spectral properties of PT-symmetric Hamiltonians.
We show that a diagonalizable (non-Hermitian) Hamiltonian H is pseudo-Hermitian if and only if it has an antilinear symmetry, i.e., a symmetry generated by an invertible antilinear operator. This implies that the eigenvalues of H are real or come in complex conjugate pairs if and only if H possesses such a symmetry. In particular, the reality of the spectrum of H implies the presence of an antilinear symmetry. We further show that the spectrum of H is real if and only if there is a positive-definite inner-product on the Hilbert space with respect to which H is Hermitian or alternatively there …
It is generally believed that Parity-Time (PT)-symmetry breaking occurs when eigenvalues or both eigenvalues and eigenvectors coincide. However, we show that this well-accepted picture of PT-symmetry breaking is incorrect. Instead, we demonstrate that the physical mechanism of PT-symmetry breaking is the resonance between positive- and negative-action modes. It is proved that PT-symmetry breaking occurs when and only when this resonance condition is satisfied, and this mechanism applies to all known PT-symmetry breakings observed in different branches of physics. The result is achieved by prov…
Exact solvability of the discretized N-point version of the PT-symmetric square-well model is pointed out. Its wave functions are found proportional to the classical Tshebyshev polynomials of a complex argument. At all N a compact secular equation is derived giving the real spectrum of energies at any non-Hermiticity strength Z below its finite and weakly N-dependent critical value. In the limit of vanishing Z the model degenerates to a Hermitian Hueckel Hamiltonian.
We survey some of the main conceptual developments in the study of PT-symmetric and pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonian operators that have taken place during the past ten years or so. We offer a precise mathematical description of a quantum system and its representations that allows us to describe the idea of unitarization of a quantum system by modifying the inner product of the Hilbert space. We discuss the role and importance of the quantum-to-classical correspondence principle that provides the physical interpretation of the observables in quantum mechanics. Finally, we address the problem of co…
The spectral branching behavior of the 2x2 operator matrix of the magneto-hydrodynamic alpha^2-dynamo is analyzed numerically. Some qualitative aspects of level crossings are briefly discussed with the help of a simple toy model which is based on a Z_2-graded-pseudo-Hermitian 2x2 matrix. The considered issues comprise: the underlying SU(1,1) symmetry and the Krein space structure of the system, exceptional points of branching type and diabolic points, as well as the algebraic and geometric multiplicity of corresponding degenerate eigenvalues.
We give two characterization theorems for pseudo-Hermitian (possibly nondiagonalizable) Hamiltonians with a discrete spectrum that admit a block-diagonalization with finite-dimensional diagonal blocks. In particular, we prove that for such an operator H the following statements are equivalent. 1. H is pseudo-Hermitian; 2. The spectrum of H consists of real and/or complex-conjugate pairs of eigenvalues and the geometric multiplicity and the dimension of the diagonal blocks for the complex-conjugate eigenvalues are identical; 3. H is Hermitian with respect to a positive-semidefinite inner produc…
In this paper we present a general method to solve non hermetic potentials with PT symmetry using the introduction of two first-order operator against η-pseudo-hermetic(η-weak-pseudo-hermiticity) with position dependent effective mass and applying it to Dirac equation with spinor wave function and non-hermitic potentials with real energy spectrum considering position dependent effective mass. Also Pöschl-teller complex and Eckart potentials will be discussed as examples.
We employ a recently-developed transfer-matrix formulation of scattering theory in two dimensions to study a class of scattering setups modeled by real potentials. The transfer matrix for these potentials is related to the time-evolution operator for an associated pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonian operator $\widehat{\mathbf{H}}$ which develops an exceptional point for a discrete set of incident wavenumbers. We use the spectral properties of this operator to determine the transfer matrix of these potentials and solve their scattering problem. We apply our general results to explore the scattering of…
Motivated by the recent developments of pseudo-hermitian quantum mechanics, we analyze the structure of unbounded metric operators in a Hilbert space. It turns out that such operators generate a canonical lattice of Hilbert spaces, that is, the simplest case of a partial inner product space (PIP space). Next, we introduce several generalizations of the notion of similarity between operators and explore to what extend they preserve spectral properties. Then we apply some of the previous results to operators on a particular PIP space, namely, a scale of Hilbert spaces generated by a metric opera…
We consider a class of (possibly nondiagonalizable) pseudo-Hermitian operators with discrete spectrum, showing that in no case (unless they are diagonalizable and have a real spectrum) they are Hermitian with respect to a semidefinite inner product, and that the pseudo-Hermiticity property is equivalent to the existence of an antilinear involutory symmetry. Moreover, we show that a typical degeneracy of the real eigenvalues (which reduces to the well known Kramers degeneracy in the Hermitian case) occurs whenever a fermionic (possibly nondiagonalizable) pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonian admits an a…
The relativistic Klein-Gordon system is studied as an illustration of Quantum Mechanics using non-Hermitian operators as observables. A version of the model is considered containing a generic coordinate- and energy-dependent phenomenological mass-term $m^2(E,x)$. We show how similar systems may be assigned a pair of the linear, energy-independent left- and right-acting Hamiltonians with quasi-Hermiticity property and, hence, with the standard probabilistic interpretation.
An unusual type of the exact solvability is reported. It is exemplified by the Coulomb plus harmonic oscillator in D dimensions after a complexification of its Hamiltonian which keeps the energies real. Infinitely many bound states are found in closed form which generalizes the even-parity harmonic-oscillator states at zero charge. Apparently, the model is halfway between exact and quasi-exact.
We show that and how point interactions offer one of the most suitable guides towards a quantitative analysis of properties of certain specific non-Hermitian (usually called PT-symmetric) quantum-mechanical systems. A double-well model is chosen, an easy solvability of which clarifies the mechanisms of the unavoided level crossing and of the spontaneous PT-symmetry breaking. The latter phenomenon takes place at a certain natural boundary of the domain of the "acceptable" parameters of the model. Within this domain the model mediates a nice and compact explicit illustration of the not entirely …
We introduce generalized versions of complex Scarf and Morse-type potentials that con- tain energy-dependent parameters. PT -symmetry and pseudo-hermiticity of the associated quantum systems are discussed, and a modified orthogonality relation and pseudo-norm are constructed. We show that despite energy-dependence, our systems can admit real energy spectra and normalizable solutions of bound-state type.
We consider a Bogolibov-de Geenes (BdG) Hamiltonian, which is a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian with pseudo-Hermiticity, for a system of (pseudo) spin-$1/2$ bosons in a honeycomb lattice under the condition that the population difference between the two spin components, i.e., magnetization, is a constant. Such a system is capable of acting as a topological amplifier, under time-reversal symmetry, with stable bulk bands but unstable edge modes which can be populated at an exponentially fast rate. We quantitatively study the topological properties of this model within the framework of the 38-fold way …
We show that similarity (or equivalent) transformations enable one to construct non-Hermitian operators with real spectrum. In this way we can also prove and generalize the results obtained by other authors by means of a gauge-like transformation and its generalization. Such similarity transformations also reveal the connection with pseudo-Hermiticity in a simple and straightforward way. In addition to it we consider the positive and negative eigenvalues of a three-parameter non-Hermitian oscillator.