Super-enhanced Sensitivity in Non-Hermitian Systems at Infernal Points

TL;DR

This paper reveals that non-Hermitian systems at infernal points exhibit extreme sensitivity to boundary perturbations, with eigenenergy splitting following a root law, which could be harnessed for highly sensitive sensors.

Contribution

We demonstrate the universal and robust eigenenergy sensitivity at infernal points in non-Hermitian systems, independent of Hamiltonian specifics, and analyze its implications for sensor technology.

Findings

Eigenenergy splitting follows a  root law at infernal points.

Sensitivity persists even when deviating from the infernal point.

Universal applicability across different non-Hermitian Hamiltonians.

Abstract

The emergence of exceptional points in non-Hermitian systems represents an intriguing phenomenon characterized by the coalescence of eigenenergies and eigenstates. When a system approaches an exceptional point, it exhibits a heightened sensitivity to perturbations compared to the conventional band degeneracy observed in Hermitian systems. This sensitivity, manifested in the splitting of the eigenenergies, is amplified as the order of the exceptional point increases. Infernal points constitute a unique subclass of exceptional points, distinguished by their order escalating with the expansion of the system's size. In this paper, we show that, when a non-Hermitian system is at an infernal point, a perturbation of strength $\epsilon$, which couples the two opposing boundaries of the system, causes the eigenenergies to split according to the law $\sqrt[k]{\epsilon}$, where $k$ is an integer proportional to the system's size. Utilizing the perturbation theory of Jordan matrices, we demonstrate that the exceptional sensitivity of the eigenenergies at infernal points to boundary-coupling perturbations is a ubiquitous phenomenon, irrespective of the specific form of the non-Hermitian Hamiltonians. Notably, we find that this phenomenon remains robust even when the system deviates substantially from the infernal point. The universal nature and robustness of this phenomenon suggest potential applications in enhancing sensor sensitivity.