Temporal Parity-Time Symmetry for Extreme Energy Transformations

TL;DR

This paper explores the concept of temporal parity-time symmetry in unbounded media, revealing new interference mechanisms for extreme energy transformations and expanding the potential of time-switched metamaterials within non-Hermitian physics.

Contribution

It introduces the dual of PT symmetry for temporal boundaries, unveiling novel interference effects for energy manipulation in time-varying media.

Findings

Uncovered interference mechanisms enabling extreme energy transformations.

Linked temporal interfaces with non-Hermitian phenomena.

Opened new avenues for time-switched metamaterials.

Abstract

Temporal interfaces introduced by abrupt switching of the constitutive parameters of unbounded media enable unusual wave phenomena. So far, their explorations have been mostly limited to lossless media. Yet, non-Hermitian phenomena leveraging material loss and gain, and their balanced combination in parity-time (PT)-symmetric systems, have been opening new vistas in photonics. Here, we unveil the role that temporal interfaces offer in non-Hermitian physics, introducing the dual of PT symmetry for temporal boundaries. Our findings reveal unexplored interference mechanisms enabling extreme energy manipulation, and open new scenarios for time-switched metamaterials, connecting them with the broad opportunities offered by non-Hermitian phenomena.