Non-Hermitian interaction of a discrete state with a continuum

TL;DR

This paper explores how non-Hermitian, time-dependent coupling can lead to a novel pseudo decoupling in a discrete state interacting with a continuum, a phenomenon absent in Hermitian systems, with applications in photonics.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of non-Hermitian pseudo decoupling where the discrete state returns to initial conditions after interaction, unlike in Hermitian models, and demonstrates this with a non-Hermitian Fano-Anderson model.

Findings

Discrete state returns to initial condition after non-Hermitian interaction.

Continuum retains trace of the interaction, indicating pseudo decoupling.

Applicable to photonic systems with modulated gain/loss.

Abstract

The interaction of a discrete state coupled to a continuum is a longstanding problem of major interest in different areas of quantum and classical physics. In Hermitian models, several dynamical decoupling schemes have been suggested, in which the discrete-continuum interaction can be substantially reduced and even suppressed. In this work we consider a discrete state interacting with a continuum via a time-dependent {\em non-Hermitian} coupling with finite (albeit arbitrarily long) duration, and show rather generally that for a wide class of coupling temporal shapes, in which the real and imaginary parts of the coupling are related each other by a Hilbert transform, the discrete state returns to its initial condition after the interaction with the continuum, while the continuum keeps trace of the interaction. Such a behavior, which does not have any counterpart in Hermitian dynamics, can be referred to as non-Hermitian {\em pseudo} decoupling. Non-Hermitian pseudo decoupling is illustrated by considering a non-Hermitian extension of the Fano-Anderson model in a one-dimensional tight-binding lattice. Scuh a non-Hermitian model can describe, for example, photonic hopping dynamics in a tight-binding chain of optical microrings or resonators, in which non-Hermitian coupling can be realized by fast modulation of the real and imaginary (gain/loss) parts of the refractive index of the edge microring.