$\mathcal{PT}$ Symmetry in Statistical Mechanics and the Sign Problem

Generalized PT\mathcal{PT} symmetry provides crucial insight into the sign problem for two classes of models. In the case of quantum statistical models at non-zero chemical potential, the free energy density is directly related to the ground state energy of a non-Hermitian, but generalized PT\mathcal{PT}-symmetric Hamiltonian. There is a corresponding class of PT\mathcal{PT}-symmetric classical statistical mechanics models with non-Hermitian transfer matrices. We discuss a class of Z(N) spin models with explicit PT\mathcal{PT} symmetry and also the ANNNI model, which has a hidden PT\mathcal{PT} symmetry. For both quantum and classical models, the class of models with generalized PT\mathcal{PT} symmetry is precisely the class where the complex weight problem can be reduced to real weights, i.e., a sign problem. The spatial two-point functions of such models can exhibit three different behaviors: exponential decay, oscillatory decay, and periodic behavior. The latter two regions are associated with PT\mathcal{PT} symmetry breaking, where a Hamiltonian or transfer matrix has complex conjugate pairs of eigenvalues. The transition to a spatially modulated phase is associated with PT\mathcal{PT} symmetry breaking of the ground state, and is generically a first-order transition. In the region where PT\mathcal{PT} symmetry is unbroken, the sign problem can always be solved in principle using the equivalence to a Hermitian theory in this region. The ANNNI model provides an example of a model with PT\mathcal{PT} symmetry which can be simulated for all parameter values, including cases where PT\mathcal{PT} symmetry is broken.     

$\mathcal{PT}$-Symmetric Periodic Optical Potentials

In quantum theory, any Hamiltonian describing a physical system is mathematically represented by a self-adjoint linear operator to ensure the reality of the associated observables. In an attempt to extend quantum mechanics into the complex domain, it was realized few years ago that certain non-Hermitian parity-time (PT\mathcal{PT}) symmetric Hamiltonians can exhibit an entirely real spectrum. Much of the reported progress has been remained theoretical, and therefore hasn’t led to a viable experimental proposal for which non Hermitian quantum effects could be observed in laboratory experiments. Quite recently however, it was suggested that the concept of PT\mathcal{PT}-symmetry could be physically realized within the framework of classical optics. This proposal has, in turn, stimulated extensive investigations and research studies related to PT\mathcal{PT}-symmetric Optics and paved the way for the first experimental observation of PT\mathcal{PT}-symmetry breaking in any physical system. In this paper, we present recent results regarding PT\mathcal{PT}-symmetric Optics.     

Scarcity of real discrete eigenvalues in non-analytic complex $$ \mathcal{P}\mathcal{T} $$-symmetric potentials

We find that a non-differentiability occurring whether in real or imaginary part of a complex $ \mathcal{P}\mathcal{T} $ \mathcal{P}\mathcal{T} -symmetric potential causes a scarcity of the real discrete eigenvalues despite the real part alone possessing an infinite spectrum. We demonstrate this by perturbing the real potentials x ² and |x| by imaginary $ \mathcal{P}\mathcal{T} $ \mathcal{P}\mathcal{T} -symmetric potentials ix/it|x| and ix, respectively.     

${\mathcal{PT}}$-Symmetric Square Well-Perturbations and the Existence of Metric Operator

We consider PT{\mathcal{PT}}-symmetric square well in more general setting: we impose PT{\mathcal{PT}}-symmetric boundary conditions instead of Dirichlet ones. We investigate the existence and properties of a metric operator.     

Non-hermitian quantum mechanics in non-commutative space

A recent investigation of the possibility of having a -symmetric periodic potential in an optical lattice stimulated the urge to generalize non-hermitian quantum mechanics beyond the case of commutative space. We thus study non-hermitian quantum systems in non-commutative space as well as a -symmetric deformation of this space. Specifically, a -symmetric harmonic oscillator together with an iC(x ₁+x ₂) interaction are discussed in this space, and solutions are obtained. We show that in the deformed non-commutative space the Hamiltonian may or may not possess real eigenvalues, depending on the choice of the non-commutative parameters. However, it is shown that in standard non-commutative space, the iC(x ₁+x ₂) interaction generates only real eigenvalues despite the fact that the Hamiltonian is not -symmetric. A complex interacting anisotropic oscillator system also is discussed.     

Discrete Symmetries and Generalized Fields of Dyons

We have studied the different symmetric properties of the generalized Maxwell’s–Dirac equation along with their quantum properties. Applying the parity (℘), time reversal ( T\mathcal{T} ), charge conjugation (C\mathcal{C}) and their combined effect like parity time reversal (PT\mathcal{PT}), charge conjugation and parity (CP\mathcal{CP}) and CPT\mathcal{CP}T transformations to various equations of generalized fields of dyons, it is shown that the corresponding dynamical quantities and equations of dyons are invariant under these discrete symmetries.     

First-Order Intertwining Operators with Position Dependent Mass and <Emphasis Type="Italic">η</Emphasis>-Weak-Pseudo-Hermiticity Generators

A Hermitian and an anti-Hermitian first-order intertwining operators are introduced and a class of η-weak-pseudo-Hermitian position-dependent mass (PDM) Hamiltonians are constructed. A corresponding reference-target η-weak-pseudo-Hermitian PDM—Hamiltonians’ map is suggested. Some η-weak-pseudo-Hermitian -symmetric Scarf II and periodic-type models are used as illustrative examples. Energy-levels crossing and flown-away states phenomena are reported for the resulting Scarf II spectrum. Some of the corresponding η-weak-pseudo-Hermitian Scarf II- and periodic-type-isospectral models ( -symmetric and non- -symmetric) are given as products of the reference-target map.     

$\mathcal{PT}$-Symmetric Quantum Electrodynamics—$\mathcal{PT}$QED

The construction of PT\mathcal{PT}-symmetric quantum electrodynamics is reviewed. In particular, the massless version of the theory in 1+1 dimensions (the Schwinger model) is solved. Difficulties with unitarity of the S-matrix are discussed.     

PT\mathcal {P}\mathcal {T}-Symmetric Klein-Gordon Oscillator

Parity-time (PT)(\mathcal {P}\mathcal {T}) symmetric Klein-Gordon oscillator is presented using PT\mathcal {P}\mathcal {T}-symmetric minimal substitution. It is shown that wave equation is exactly solvable, and energy spectrum is the same as that of Hermitian Klein-Gordon oscillator presented by Bruce and Minning. Landau problem of PT\mathcal {P}\mathcal {T}-symmetric Klein-Gordon oscillator is discussed.     

Gap solitons of spin-orbit-coupled Bose-Einstein condensates in $\mathcal{PT}$ periodic potential

We numerically investigate the gap solitons in Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) with spin-orbit coupling (SOC) in the parity-time ($\mathcal{PT}$)-symmetric periodic potential. We find that the depths and periods of the imaginary lattice have an important influence on the shape and stability of these single-peak gap solitons and double-peak gap solitons in the first band gap. The dynamics of these gap solitons are checked by the split-time-step Crank-Nicolson method. It is proved that the depths of the imaginary part of the $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric periodic potential gradually increase, and the gap solitons become unstable. But the different periods of imaginary part hardly affect the stability of the gap solitons in the corresponding parameter interval.     

Phase sensitivity of light dynamics in PT-symmetric couplers

We study the sensitivity of light dynamics to the internal phase of propagating pulses in the two types of $\mathcal {PT}$ -symmetric models. The first is a waveguide array with an embedded pair of waveguides with gain and loss, called $\mathcal {PT}$ -coupler, and the second is a planar coupler which models a chain of $\mathcal {PT}$ -symmetric couplers. For the first model we investigate the soliton scattering on the mode localized on the coupler, while for second model we study the collision of two breathers. For both models we find that the light dynamics is sensitive to the internal phases of the interacting pulses. Particularly, the $\mathcal {PT}$ -symmetry breaking can take place or not, depending on the internal phases of two signals having identical other parameters.     

Extending $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ Symmetry from Heisenberg Algebra to E2 Algebra

The E2 algebra has three elements, J, u, and v, which satisfy the commutation relations [u,J]=iv, [v,J]=−iu, [u,v]=0. We can construct the Hamiltonian H=J ²+gu, where g is a real parameter, from these elements. This Hamiltonian is Hermitian and consequently it has real eigenvalues. However, we can also construct the PT\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}-symmetric and non-Hermitian Hamiltonian H=J ²+igu, where again g is real. As in the case of PT\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}-symmetric Hamiltonians constructed from the elements x and p of the Heisenberg algebra, there are two regions in parameter space for this PT\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}-symmetric Hamiltonian, a region of unbroken PT\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T} symmetry in which all the eigenvalues are real and a region of broken PT\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T} symmetry in which some of the eigenvalues are complex. The two regions are separated by a critical value of g.     

Complexification of three potential models — II

A new kind of $ \mathcal{P}\mathcal{T} $ \mathcal{P}\mathcal{T} and non-$ \mathcal{P}\mathcal{T} $ \mathcal{P}\mathcal{T} -symmetric complex potentials are constructed from a group theoretical viewpoint of the sl(2,C) potential algebras. The real eigenvalues and the corresponding regular eigenfunctions are also obtained. The results are compared with the ones obtained before.     

Spherical-separability of Non-Hermitian Hamiltonians and Pseudo- PT\mathcal{PT} -symmetry

Non-Hermitian but -symmetrized spherically-separable Dirac and Schr?dinger Hamiltonians are considered. It is observed that the descendant Hamiltonians H _r , H _θ , and H _φ play essential roles and offer some “user-feriendly” options as to which one (or ones) of them is (or are) non-Hermitian. Considering a -symmetrized H _φ , we have shown that the conventional Dirac (relativistic) and Schr?dinger (non-relativistic) energy eigenvalues are recoverable. We have also witnessed an unavoidable change in the azimuthal part of the general wavefunction. Moreover, setting a possible interaction V(θ)≠0 in the descendant Hamiltonian H _θ would manifest a change in the angular θ-dependent part of the general solution too. Whilst some -symmetrized H _φ Hamiltonians are considered, a recipe to keep the regular magnetic quantum number m, as defined in the regular traditional Hermitian settings, is suggested. Hamiltonians possess properties similar to the -symmetric ones (here the non-Hermitian -symmetric Hamiltonians) are nicknamed as pseudo- -symmetric.     

\mathcal{PT}-symmetric nonlinear metamaterials and zero-dimensional systems

A one dimensional, parity-time ( $\mathcal{PT}$ )-symmetric magnetic metamaterial comprising split-ring resonators having both gain and loss is investigated. In the linear regime, the transition from the exact to the broken $\mathcal{PT}$ -phase is determined through the calculation of the eigenfrequency spectrum for two different configurations; the one with equidistant split-rings and the other with the split-rings forming a binary pattern ( $\mathcal{PT}$ dimer chain). The latter system features a two-band, gapped spectrum with its shape determined by the gain/loss coefficient as well as the interelement coupling. In the presence of nonlinearity, the $\mathcal{PT}$ dimer chain configuration with balanced gain and loss supports nonlinear localized modes in the form of a novel type of discrete breathers below the lower branch of the linear spectrum. These breathers that can be excited from a weak applied magnetic field by frequency chirping, can be subsequently driven solely by the gain for very long times. The effect of a small imbalance between gain and loss is also considered. Fundamental gain-driven breathers occupy both sites of a dimer, while their energy is almost equally partitioned between the two split-rings, the one with gain and the other with loss. We also introduce a model equation for the investigation of classical $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry in zero dimensions, realized by a simple harmonic oscillator with matched time-dependent gain and loss that exhibits a transition from oscillatory to diverging motion. This behavior is similar to a transition from the exact to the broken $\mathcal{PT}$ phase in higher-dimensional $\mathcal{PT}$ -symmetric systems. A stability condition relating the parameters of the problem is obtained in the case of a piece-wise constant gain/loss function that allows the construction of a phase diagram with alternating stable and unstable regions.     

One-dimensional $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric acoustic heterostructure

The explorations of parity-time ($\mathcal{PT}$)-symmetric acoustics have resided at the frontier in physics, and the pre-existing accessing of exceptional points typically depends on Fabry-Perot resonances of the coupling interlayer sandwiched between balanced gain and loss components. Nevertheless, the concise $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric acoustic heterostructure, eliminating extra interactions caused by the interlayer, has not been researched in depth. Here we derive the generalized unitary relation for one-dimensional (1D) $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric heterostructure of arbitrary complexity, and demonstrate four disparate patterns of anisotropic transmission resonances (ATRs) accompanied by corresponding spontaneous phase transitions. As a special case of ATR, the occasional bidirectional transmission resonance reconsolidates the ATR frequencies that split when waves incident from opposite directions, whose spatial profiles distinguish from a unitary structure. The derived theoretical relation can serve as a predominant signature for the presence of $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry and $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetry-breaking transition, which may provide substantial support for the development of prototype devices with asymmetric acoustic responses.     

Application of asymptotic iteration method to the Khare-Mandal and its PT-symmetric QES partner potential

We study the application of the asymptotic iteration method to the Khare-Mandal potential and its PT-symmetric partner. The eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for both potentials are obtained analytically. We have shown that although the quasi-exactly solvable energy eigenvalues of the Khare-Mandal potential are found to be in complex conjugate pairs for certain values of potential parameters, its PT-symmetric partner exhibits real energy eigenvalues in all cases.      

Comparative analysis of real and \mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}-symmetric Scarf potentials

The Scarf I and Scarf II potentials are discussed within a common mathematical framework, which is then specified to handle the two potentials separately both in the conventional Hermitian and in the -symmetric setting. The physically admissible solutions are identified in each case together with the corresponding energy eigenvalues. Several main differences between the -symmetric Scarf I and II potentials are pointed out. These include the presence and absence of the quasi-parity quantum number, the sign of the pseudo-norm, the mechanism of the spontaneous breakdown of symmetry and the non- orthogonality of otherwise admissible solutions in the Scarf I potential. Similarities and differences with respect to the corresponding Hermitian systems are also pointed out.     

(1+1)-Dirac Particle with Position-Dependent Mass in Complexified Lorentz Scalar Interactions: Effectively $\mathcal{PT}$ -Symmetric

The effect of the built-in supersymmetric quantum mechanical language on the spectrum of the (1+1)-Dirac equation, with position-dependent mass (PDM) and complexified Lorentz scalar interactions, is re-emphasized. The signature of the “quasi-parity” on the Dirac particles’ spectra is also studied. A Dirac particle with PDM and complexified scalar interactions of the form S(z)=S(x−ib) (an inversely linear plus linear, leading to a symmetric oscillator model), and S(x)=S _r (x)+iS _i (x) (a -symmetric Scarf II model) are considered. Moreover, a first-order intertwining differential operator and an η-weak-pseudo-Hermiticity generator are presented and a complexified -symmetric periodic-type model is used as an illustrative example.     

Oscillatory stability of quantum droplets in $\text{}{ \mathcal P }{ \mathcal T }$-symmetric optical lattice

We study stability and collisions of quantum droplets (QDs) forming in a binary bosonic condensate trapped in parity-time (${ \mathcal P }{ \mathcal T }$)-symmetric optical lattices. It is found that the stability of QDs in the ${ \mathcal P }{ \mathcal T }$-symmetric system depends strongly on the values of the imaginary part W₀ of the ${ \mathcal P }{ \mathcal T }$-symmetric optical lattices, self-repulsion strength g, and the condensate norm N. As expected, the ${ \mathcal P }{ \mathcal T }$-symmetric QDs are entirely unstable in the broken ${ \mathcal P }{ \mathcal T }$-symmetric phase. However, the ${ \mathcal P }{ \mathcal T }$-symmetric QDs exhibit oscillatory stability with the increase of N and g in the unbroken ${ \mathcal P }{ \mathcal T }$-symmetric phase. Finally, collisions between ${ \mathcal P }{ \mathcal T }$-symmetric QDs are considered. The collisions of droplets with unequal norms are completely different from that in free space. Besides, a stable ${ \mathcal P }{ \mathcal T }$-symmetric QDs collides with an unstable ones tend to merge into breathers after the collision.