Passive PT-symmetry breaking in open 2-channel systems


Passive PT-symmetry breaking in open 2-channel systems

Günther, U.

The talk consists of two parts. In the first part we demonstrate theoretically that microwave billiards can be used to experimentally study PT-symmetric two-channel setups, i.e. PT-symmetric (2×2)-matrix models. This is due to the possibility to embed PT-symmetric matrix Hamiltonians with passive PT-symmetry breaking into the general S-matrix formalism for open multi-channel systems --- with fine-tuned parameter values to ensure PT-symmetry of the effective Hamiltonians. In this way we are able to provide evidence for hidden PT-symmetric configurations in microwave experiments performed at TU Darmstadt during the last years. This means that beside the two experiments on active and passive PT-symmetry breaking on optical waveguide systems we report on a third type of experiments: passive PT-symmetry breaking in microwave cavities (microwave billiards).

In the second part of the talk, we present explicit parametrizations of generalized matrix-type P- and T-symmetry operators for 2×2 matrix Hamiltonians. These parametrizations might turn out useful for future experiments.

collaborative work with S. Bittner, B. Dietz, H.-L. Harney, M. Miski-Oglu, A. Richter and F. Schaefer

see also: arXiv:1107.4256

Keywords: PT symmetry; microwave cavity; microwave billiard; exceptional point; spontaneous symmetry breaking; PT phase transition; 2-channel system; S-matrix formalism; generalized PT symmetry; passive PT symmetry

  • Invited lecture (Conferences)
    Quantum Physics with Non-Hermitian Operators, 15.-25.06.2011, Dresden, Germany

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-15843
Publ.-Id: 15843