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Unbroken $${{{\mathscr{P}}}}{{{\mathscr{T}}}}$$ P T -symmetry in the absence of gain or loss

Author

Listed:
  • Johannes Bentzien

    (University of Rostock)

  • Julien Pinske

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Lukas J. Maczewsky

    (University of Rostock)

  • Steffen Weimann

    (University of Rostock)

  • Matthias Heinrich

    (University of Rostock)

  • Stefan Scheel

    (University of Rostock)

  • Alexander Szameit

    (University of Rostock)

Abstract

The concept of parity-time symmetry has firmly established non-Hermiticity as a versatile degree of freedom on a variety of physical platforms. In general, the non-Hermitian dynamics of open systems are perceived to be inextricably linked to complex-valued potentials facilitating the local attenuation and coherent amplification in wave mechanics. Along these lines, time reversal symmetry is associated with a complex conjugation of the potential landscape, in essence swapping gain and loss. Here we leverage nonorthogonal coupled-mode theory to synthesize genuinely non-Hermitian dynamics without either gain or loss, and experimentally demonstrate parity-time symmetry via fluorescence measurements in femtosecond-laser-written arrays. Our projective approach allows features of non-Hermiticity to be utilized in scenarios where actual amplification and/or attenuation may disrupt the desired physics, e.g. in nonlinear systems or quantum optics.

Suggested Citation

  • Johannes Bentzien & Julien Pinske & Lukas J. Maczewsky & Steffen Weimann & Matthias Heinrich & Stefan Scheel & Alexander Szameit, 2025. "Unbroken $${{{\mathscr{P}}}}{{{\mathscr{T}}}}$$ P T -symmetry in the absence of gain or loss," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63242-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63242-3
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