Linear localization of zero modes in weakly coupled non-Hermitian reservoirs

TL;DR

This paper uncovers a unique linear decay behavior of non-Hermitian zero modes in weakly coupled reservoirs, driven by non-Bloch solutions and symmetry, rather than exceptional points.

Contribution

It demonstrates a novel linear localization phenomenon of zero modes in non-Hermitian systems, linked to non-Bloch solutions and symmetry considerations.

Findings

Zero modes exhibit linear amplitude decay in weakly coupled reservoirs.

The decay is due to non-Bloch solutions, not exceptional points.

The behavior is rooted in non-Hermitian particle-hole symmetry.

Abstract

Topological and symmetry-protected non-Hermitian zero modes have attracted considerable interest in the past few years. Here we reveal that they can exhibit an unusual behavior when transitioning between the extended and localized regimes: When weakly coupled to a non-Hermitian reservoir, such a zero mode displays a linearly decreasing amplitude as a function of space, which is not caused by an EP of a Hamiltonian, either of the entire system or the reservoir itself. Instead, we attribute it to the non-Bloch solution of a linear homogeneous recurrence relation, together with the underlying non-Hermitian particle-hole symmetry and the zeroness of its energy.