Quantum-optical implementation of non-Hermitian potentials for asymmetric scattering

TL;DR

This paper proposes a quantum-optical method to implement non-Hermitian, non-local potentials that enable asymmetric scattering, including transmission asymmetries, which are not possible with PT-symmetric or local potentials.

Contribution

It introduces a feasible quantum-optical implementation of non-Hermitian, non-local potentials to achieve asymmetric scattering responses, expanding the possibilities beyond PT-symmetric systems.

Findings

Demonstrates implementation of non-Hermitian, non-local potentials in quantum optics.

Shows potential for asymmetric transmission and reflection control.

Highlights limitations of PT symmetry in asymmetric scattering.

Abstract

Non-Hermitian, one-dimensional potentials which are also non-local, allow for scattering asymmetries, namely, asymmetric transmission or reflection responses to the incidence of a particle from left or right. The symmetries of the potential imply selection rules for transmission and reflection. In particular, parity-time (PT) symmetry or the symmetry of any local potential do not allow for asymmetric transmission. We put forward a feasible quantum-optical implementation of non-Hermitian, non-local, non-PT potentials to implement different scattering asymmetries, including transmission asymmetries.