Asymmetrical interaction induced real spectra and exceptional points in a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that non-Hermitian interactions between quantum resonances can produce real spectra and exceptional points, offering a new approach to parity-time symmetry devices in quantum mechanics.

Contribution

It reveals that non-Hermitian interactions, not just gain-loss systems, can exhibit real spectra and exceptional points, expanding the understanding of PT symmetry in quantum systems.

Findings

Real spectra can occur in non-Hermitian interactions after exceptional points.

Non-Hermitian interactions can mimic gain systems in optomechanics.

Phase transition and chaos are observed near exceptional points.

Abstract

Non-Hermitian systems with parity-time symmetry have been developed rapidly and hold great promise for future applications. Unlike most existing works considering the symmetry of the free energy terms (e.g., gain-loss system), in this paper, we report that a realizable non-Hermitian interaction between two quantum resonances can also have a real spectrum after the exceptional point. That phenomenon is similar with that in the gain-loss system so that the non-Hermitian interaction can be an excellent substitute for quantum gain. Such a non-Hermitian interaction can be realized in designed optomechanics, and we find that its dynamics are in accordance with those of normal gain system as expected. As examples, the phase transition near the exceptional point and the induced chaos in weak nonlinear coupling are shown and analyzed for an intuitive visual. Our results provide a platform for realizing parity-time symmetry devices and studying properties of non-Hermitian quantum mechanics.