Non-Hermitian Hamiltonians with real eigenvalues coupled to electric fields: from the time-independent to the time dependent quantum mechanical formulation
Carla Figueira de Morisson Faria, Andreas Fring
备注：
14 pages, 3 figures, to appear in Laser Physics, minor typos corrected
We provide a reviewlike introduction into the quantum mechanical formalism related to non-Hermitian Hamiltonian systems with real eigenvalues. Starting with the time-independent framework we explain how to determine an appropriate domain of a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian and pay particular attention to the role played by PT-symmetry and pseudo-Hermiticity. We discuss the time-evolution of such systems having in particular the question in mind of how to couple consistently an electric field to pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonians. We illustrate the general formalism with three explicit examples: i) the generalized Swanson Hamiltonians, which constitute non-Hermitian extensions of anharmonic oscillators, ii) the spiked harmonic oscillator, which exhibits explicit supersymmetry and iii) the -x^4-potential, which serves as a toy model for the quantum field theoretical phi^4-theory.
We calculate the eigenvalues of some two-dimensional non-Hermitian Hamiltonians by means of a pseudospectral method and straightforward diagonalization of the Hamiltonian matrix in a suitable basis set. Both sets of results agree remarkably well but differ considerably from the eigenvalues obtained some time ago by other authors. In particular, we do not observe the multiple phase transitions claimed to occur in one of the anharmonic oscillators.
Imaginary eigenvalues of Hermitian Hamiltonian with an inverted potential well and transition to the real spectrum at exceptional point by a non-Hermitian interaction
The dynamics of open quantum systems is determined by avoided and true crossings of eigenvalue trajectories of a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian. The phases of the eigenfunctions are not rigid so that environmentally induced spectroscopic redistribution processes may take place and a dynamical phase transition may occur. Due to the formal equivalence between the quantum mechanical Schrödinger equation and the optical wave equation in PT symmetric lattices, the dynamics of the system is determined also in this case by avoided and true crossings of eigenvalue trajectories of the non-Hermitian Hamilton…
Quantum signal processing allows for quantum eigenvalue transformation with Hermitian matrices, in which each eigenspace component of an input vector gets transformed according to its eigenvalue. In this work, we introduce the multivariate quantum eigenvalue transformation for functions of commuting Hermitian matrices. We then present a framework for working with polynomial matrix functions in which we may solve MQET, and give the application of computing functions of normal matrices using a quantum computer.
We analyse some PT-symmetric oscillators with $T_{d}$ symmetry that depend on a potential parameter $g$. We calculate the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for each irreducible representation and for a range of values of $g$. Pairs of eigenvalues coalesce at exceptional points $g_c$; their magnitude roughly decreasing with the magnitude of the eigenvalues. It is difficult to estimate whether there is a phase transition at a nonzero value of $g$ as conjectured in earlier papers. Group theory and perturbation theory enable one to predict whether a given space-time symmetry leads to real eigenvalues…
A $γ$-deformed version of $\mathfrak{su}(2)$ algebra has been obtained from a bi-orthogonal system of vectors in $\bf{C^2}$. Fusion of Jordan-Schwinger realization of complexified $\mathfrak{su}(2)$ with Dyson-Maleev representation gives a 3-boson realization of Higgs algebra of cubic polynomial type. The non-hermitian Hamiltonian thus obtained is found to have real eigenvalues and eigen states with symmetry induced orthogonality. The notion of partial ${\mathcal {PT}}$-symmetry (henceforth $\partial_{\mathcal { PT}}$) has been introduced as a characteristic feature of these multi-boson realiz…
The eigenvector-eigenvalue identity relates the eigenvectors of a Hermitian matrix to its eigenvalues and the eigenvalues of its principal submatrices in which the jth row and column have been removed. We show that one-dimensional arrays of coupled resonators, described by square matrices with real eigenvalues, provide simple physical systems where this formula can be applied in practice. The subsystems consist of arrays with the jth resonator removed, and thus can be realized physically. From their spectra alone, the oscillation modes of the full system can be obtained. This principle of succ…
We prove that any symmetric Hamiltonian that is a quadratic function of the coordinates and momenta has a pseudo-Hermitian adjoint or regular matrix representation. The eigenvalues of the latter matrix are the natural frequencies of the Hamiltonian operator. When all the eigenvalues of the matrix are real, then the spectrum of the symmetric Hamiltonian is real and the operator is Hermitian. As illustrative examples we choose the quadratic Hamiltonians that model a pair of coupled resonators with balanced gain and loss, the electromagnetic self-force on an oscillating charged particle and an ac…
Potential algebras are extended from Hermitian to non-Hermitian Hamiltonians and shown to provide an elegant method for studying the transition from real to complex eigenvalues for a class of non-Hermitian Hamiltonians associated with the complex Lie algebra A$_1$.
We show that the author of a recent paper [arXiv:2008.04929] put forward some false statements about the eigenstates of Hermitian and non-Hermitian systems. We conjecture that one of the non-Hermitian Hamiltonians for a one-dimensional lattice is similar to an Hermitian one and, consequently, exhibits real eigenvalues. Present theoretical analysis of the eigenvalue equation suggests that one of the sets of numerical results in the criticized paper may not be correct.
We investigate the approximate bound state solutions of the Schrödinger equation for the PT-/non-PT-symmetric and non Hermitian Hellmann potential. Exact energy eigenvalues and corresponding normalized wave functions are obtained. Numerical values of energy eigenvalues for the bound states are compared with the ones obtained before. Scattering state solutions are also studied. Phase shifts of the potential are written in terms of the angular momentum quantum number $\ell$.
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.
It has been observed that a quantum theory need not to be Hermitian to have a real spectrum. We study the non-Hermitian relativistic quantum theories for many complex potentials, and we obtain the real relativistic energy eigenvalues and corresponding eigenfunctions of a Dirac charged particle in complex static and spherically symmetric potentials. Complex Dirac-Eckart, complex Dirac-Rosen-Morse II, complex Dirac-Scarf and complex Dirac-Poschl-Teller potential are investigated.
In quantum theory, a physical observable is represented by a Hermitian operator as it admits real eigenvalues. This stems from the fact that any measuring apparatus that is supposed to measure a physical observable will always yield a real number. However, reality of eigenvalue of some operator does not mean that it is necessarily Hermitian. There are examples of non-Hermitian operators which may admit real eigenvalues under some symmetry conditions. However, in general, given a non-Hermitian operator, its average value in a quantum state is a complex number and there are only very limited met…
We propose a quantum algorithm for finding eigenvalues of non-unitary matrices. We show how to construct, through interactions in a quantum system and projective measurements, a non-Hermitian or non-unitary matrix and obtain its eigenvalues and eigenvectors. This proposal combines ideas of frequent measurement, measured quantum Fourier transform, and quantum state tomography. It provides a generalization of the conventional phase estimation algorithm, which is limited to Hermitian or unitary matrices.
An algorithm for finding the bound-state eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of a Hermitian Hamiltonian operator using Green's method, developed by Waxman\cite{W98},has been extended to include non-Hermitian Hamiltonian operators.
The powerful group theoretical formalism of potential algebras is extended to non-Hermitian Hamiltonians with real eigenvalues by complexifying so(2,1), thereby getting the complex algebra sl(2,\C) or $A_1$. This leads to new types of both PT-symmetric and non-PT-symmetric Hamiltonians.
Hamiltonian Mechanics works for conserved systems and Quantum Mechanics is given in Hamiltonian language. It is considered that complexifying the quantum Hamiltonian, a balanced loss and gain model can be created. The usual mathematics of density operator formalism and entanglement is extrapolated to such systems and the consequences are studied. Namely, a complete formalism using Density operators is created for real eigenvalue regime of these Non- Hermitian systems and correct forms of Von-Neumann and Entanglement Entropy are created. The consequences are studied in this regime and depicted …
So far, topological band theory is discussed mainly for systems described by eigenvalue problems. Here, we develop a topological band theory described by a generalized eigenvalue problem (GEVP). Our analysis elucidates that non-Hermitian topological band structures may emerge for systems described by a GEVP with Hermitian matrices. The above result is verified by analyzing a two-dimensional toy model where symmetry-protected exceptional rings (SPERs) emerge although the matrices involved are Hermitian. Remarkably, these SPERs are protected by emergent symmetry, which is unique to the systems d…
We show that complex Lie algebras (in particular sl(2,C)) provide us with an elegant method for studying the transition from real to complex eigenvalues of a class of non-Hermitian Hamiltonians: complexified Scarf II, generalized Pöschl-Teller, and Morse. The characterizations of these Hamiltonians under the so-called pseudo-Hermiticity are also discussed.
We present a large class of non-Hermitian non-PT-symmetric two-component Dirac Hamiltoninas with real energy spectra. These Hamiltonians are invariant under the combined action of "charge" conjugation (two-component transpose) and space-parity. Examples are given from the two subclasses of these systems having localized and/or continuum states with real energies.
Symmetries associated with complex conjugation and Hermitian conjugation, such as time-reversal symmetry and pseudo-Hermiticity, have great impact on eigenvalue spectra of non-Hermitian random matrices. Here, we show that time-reversal symmetry and pseudo-Hermiticity lead to universal level statistics of non-Hermitian random matrices on and around the real axis. From the extensive numerical calculations of large random matrices, we obtain the five universal level-spacing and level-spacing-ratio distributions of real eigenvalues, each of which is unique to the symmetry class. Furthermore, we an…
We show that at least the quasi-exactly solvable eigenvalues of the Schrödinger equation with the potential $V(x) = -(ζ\cosh 2x -iM)^2$ as well as the periodic potential $V(x) = (ζ\cos 2θ-iM)^2$ are real for the PT-invariant non-Hermitian potentials in case the parameter $M$ is any odd integer. We further show that the norm as well as the weight functions for the corresponding weak orthogonal polynomials are also real.
The differential-equation eigenvalue problem associated with a recently-introduced Hamiltonian, whose eigenvalues correspond to the zeros of the Riemann zeta function, is analyzed using Fourier and WKB analysis. The Fourier analysis leads to a challenging open problem concerning the formulation of the eigenvalue problem in the momentum space. The WKB analysis gives the exact asymptotic behavior of the eigenfunction.
Topological edge modes are excitations that are localized at the materials' edges and yet are characterized by a topological invariant defined in the bulk. Such bulk-edge correspondence has enabled the creation of robust electronic, electromagnetic and mechanical transport properties across a wide range of systems, from cold atoms to metamaterials, active matter and geophysical flows. Recently, the advent of non-Hermitian topological systems---wherein energy is not conserved---has sparked considerable theoretical advances. In particular, novel topological phases that can only exist in non-Herm…
We study a non-Hermitian $PT-$symmetric generalization of an $N$-particle, two-mode Bose-Hubbard system, modeling for example a Bose-Einstein condensate in a double well potential coupled to a continuum via a sink in one of the wells and a source in the other. The effect of the interplay between the particle interaction and the non-Hermiticity on characteristic features of the spectrum is analyzed drawing special attention to the occurrence and unfolding of exceptional points (EPs). We find that for vanishing particle interaction there are only two EPs of order $N+1$ which under perturbation u…
Many eigenvalue problems arising in practice are often of the generalized form $A\x=λB\x$. One particularly important case is symmetric, namely $A, B$ are Hermitian and $B$ is positive definite. The standard algorithm for solving this class of eigenvalue problems is to reduce them to Hermitian eigenvalue problems. For a quantum computer, quantum phase estimation is a useful technique to solve Hermitian eigenvalue problems. In this work, we propose a new quantum algorithm for symmetric generalized eigenvalue problems using ordinary differential equations. The algorithm has lower complexity than…
Non-Hermitian systems exhibiting topological properties are attracting growing interest. In this work, we propose an algorithm for solving the ground state of a non-Hermitian system in the matrix product state (MPS) formalism based on a companion Hermitian Hamiltonian. If the eigenvalues of the non-Hermitian system are known, the companion Hermitian Hamiltonian can be directly constructed and solved using Hermitian variational methods. When the eigenvalues are unknown, a gradient descent along with the companion Hermitian Hamiltonian yields both the ground state eigenenergy and the eigenstate.…
We point out that the Lyapunov exponent of the eigenstate places restrictions on the eigenvalue. Consequently, with regard to non-Hermitian systems, even without any symmetry, the non-conservative Hamiltonians can exhibit real spectra as long as Lyapunov exponents of eigenstates inhibit imaginary parts of eigenvalues. Our findings open up a new route to study non-Hermitian physics.
We present a prescription for forming matrices with specified eigenvalues and known eigenvectors. With this method, we can form Hermitian, anti-Hermitian, symmetric and general matrices with arbitrary eigenvalues. In addition we propose an algorithm for diagonalizing such matrices. The functions required for the realization of this are probability amplitudes connecting observables with discrete eigenvalue spectra and can be obtained from spin theory. For the example case of $5\times 5$ matrices, these functions are given.
We have briefly analyzed the existence of the pseudofermionic structure of multilevel pseudo-Hermitian systems with odd time-reversal and higher order involutive symmetries. We have shown that 2N-level Hamiltonians with N-order eigenvalue degeneracy can be represented in the oscillator-like form in terms of pseudofermionic creation and annihilation operators for both real and complex eigenvalues. The example of most general four-level traceless Hamiltonian with odd time-reversal symmetry, which is an extension of the SO(5) Hermitian Hamiltonian, is considered in greater and explicit detail.
The modified Dirac-Pauli equations, which is entered by means of ${γ_5}$-mass extension of Hamiltonian operators, are considered. We also take into account the interaction of fermions with the intensive homogenous magnetic field focusing attention on (g-2) gyromagnetic factor of particles with spin $1/2$. Without the use of perturbation theory in the external field the exact energy spectra are deduced with regard to spin effects of fermions. We discuss the possible proposals of experimental measuring of properties of new particles which arising in this model.
We propose a technique for calculating and understanding the eigenvalue distribution of sums of random matrices from the known distribution of the summands. The exact problem is formidably hard. One extreme approximation to the true density amounts to classical probability, in which the matrices are assumed to commute; the other extreme is related to free probability, in which the eigenvectors are assumed to be in generic positions and sufficiently large. In practice, free probability theory can give a good approximation of the density. We develop a technique based on eigenvector localization/…
The relevance in Physics of non-Hermitian operators with real eigenvalues is being widely recognized not only in quantum mechanics but also in other areas, such as quantum optics, quantum fluid dynamics and quantum field theory. %stochastic processesand so on. In this note, a quantum system described by a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian, which is constituted by two types of interacting bosons, is investigated. The real eigenvalues of the Hamiltonian are explicitly determined, as well as complete biorthogonal sets of eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian and its adjoint. The diagonal representation of $H…
Complex eigenvalues, resonances, play an important role in large variety of fields in physics and chemistry. For example, in cold molecular collision experiments and electron scattering experiments, autoionizing and pre-dissociative metastable resonances are generated. However, the computation of complex resonance eigenvalues is difficult, since it requires severe modifications of standard electronic structure codes and methods. Here we show how resonance eigenvalues, positions and widths, can be calculated using the standard, widely used, electronic-structure packages. Our method enables the …
Identifying the spectrum of the sum of two given Hermitian matrices with fixed eigenvalues is the famous Horn's problem.In this note, we investigate a variant of Horn's problem, i.e., we identify the probability density function (abbr. pdf) of the diagonals of the sum of two random Hermitian matrices with given spectra. We then use it to re-derive the pdf of the eigenvalues of the sum of two random Hermitian matrices with given eigenvalues via \emph{derivative principle}, a powerful tool used to get the exact probability distribution by reducing to the corresponding distribution of diagonal en…
Delocalization transition is numerically found in a non-Hermitian extension of a discrete-time quantum walk on a one-dimensional random medium. At the transition, an eigenvector gets delocalized and at the same time the corresponding energy eigenvalue (the imaginary unit times the phase of the eigenvalue of the time-evolution operator) becomes complex. This is in accordance with a non-Hermitian extension of the random Anderson model in one dimension, called, the Hatano-Nelson model. We thereby numerically find that all eigenstates of the Hermitian quantum walk share a common localization lengt…
We study several classes of non-Hermitian Hamiltonian systems, which can be expressed in terms of bilinear combinations of Euclidean Lie algebraic generators. The classes are distinguished by different versions of antilinear (PT)-symmetries exhibiting various types of qualitative behaviour. On the basis of explicitly computed non-perturbative Dyson maps we construct metric operators, isospectral Hermitian counterparts for which we solve the corresponding time-independent Schroedinger equation for specific choices of the coupling constants. In these cases general analytical expressions for the …
The eigenvalue problem of the spherically symmetric oscillator Hamiltonian is revisited in the context of canonical raising and lowering operators. The Hamiltonian is then factorized in terms of two not mutually adjoint factorizing operators which, in turn, give rise to a non-Hermitian radial Hamiltonian. The set of eigenvalues of this new Hamiltonian is exactly the same as the energy spectrum of the radial oscillator and the new square-integrable eigenfunctions are complex Darboux-deformations of the associated Laguerre polynomials.
