arXiv subjects

Chang-Hwan Yi

Publications and source records attributed to Chang-Hwan Yi.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Localization in microcavities revealed by phase-space non-Hermitian skin effect

Contrary to the semiclassical expectation for fully chaotic systems, localization of resonances is found to be a common feature in open microcavities. In spiral-shaped dielectric microcavities, a substantial fraction of resonances localize on polygonal patterns in real space, are chiral, and their momentum distributions accumulate near the critical line for total internal reflection. Despite the extensive investigation, the physical mechanism responsible for their remarkable abundance has remained a long-standing question. Addressing this, we reveal a physical correspondence between an inhomogeneous-loss Hatano-Nelson model and the dielectric phase space of a spiral microcavity. We show that the combination of geometry-induced momentum drift and refractive escape yields a generalized non-Hermitian skin effect in the phase space momentum. We identify this mechanism as the origin of the critical-line localization of resonances in open chaotic spiral microcavities, extending the skin-effect concept beyond nonreciprocal lattices to phase space and to open chaotic wave systems.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Mobile Exceptional Points Generate Momentum-Space Switching Domains

Exceptional points (EPs), non-Hermitian degeneracies where both eigenvalues and eigenvectors coalesce, play a central role in the topology of non-Hermitian spectra. Recent advances have enabled the controlled creation and manipulation of EPs in a wide range of physical systems, raising the question of what new band topology emerges when EPs become mobile under cyclic modulation. Here we show that mobile EPs generate momentum-space switching domains that partition the Brillouin zone into regions with distinct band-switching behavior. Using a minimal two-band lattice model, we introduce a band-permutation invariant that determines whether eigenmodes exchange after one modulation cycle. The boundaries between switching regions arise from the projection of EP trajectories in an extended parameter space combining crystal momentum and the modulation parameter. As the modulation strength increases, the switching domains expand and eventually cover the entire Brillouin zone, resulting in global band switching. The predicted switching-domain structure is further demonstrated in a photonic crystal with lossy materials. These results open a new avenue within non-Hermitian topology by enabling the engineering of EP-driven phenomena through their controlled motion.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2025

A unified framework for exceptional point pairs in non-Hermitian two-level systems

Exceptional points (EPs) in non-Hermitian systems are branch singularities where eigenvalues and eigenvectors simultaneously coalesce, leading to rich topological phenomena beyond those in Hermitian systems. In this work, we systematically investigate the interplay between eigenenergy braiding and Berry phase accumulation in two-level non-Hermitian systems hosting pairs of EPs. EP pairs are classified into four distinct classes according to the vorticity of eigenenergies, the Berry phase accumulated during encircling, and the eigenstate projection onto a basis state. Their associated topological structures are analyzed using effective two-level models. These classifications are further substantiated by numerical simulations in optical microcavities with three scatterers, where EPs emerge in the complex frequency spectrum. By encircling different EP pairs in parameter space, we demonstrate that the resulting topological features such as trivial or non-trivial braiding and Berry phase accumulation are directly linked to the vorticity structure and eigenmode evolution. In particular, we show that the eigenstate projection onto a basis state near EPs manifests as chiral optical modes in microcavities, providing an experimentally accessible signature of the underlying topological structure. Our results provide a unified framework for understanding multi-EP topology and offer practical pathways toward their realization and control in photonic systems.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Non-orientable Exceptional Points in Twisted Boundary Systems

Non-orientable manifolds, such as the Möbius strip and the Klein bottle, defy conventional geometric intuition through their twisted boundary conditions. As a result, topological defects on non-orientable manifolds give rise to novel physical phenomena. We study the adiabatic transport of exceptional points (EPs) along non-orientable closed loops and uncover distinct topological responses arising from the lack of global orientation. Notably, we demonstrate that the cyclic permutation of eigenstates across an EP depends sensitively on the loop orientation, yielding inequivalent braid representations for clockwise and counterclockwise encirclement; this is a feature unique to non-orientable geometries. Orientation-dependent geometric quantities, such as the winding number, cannot be consistently defined due to the absence of a global orientation. However, when a boundary is introduced, such quantities become well defined within the local interior, even though the global manifold remains non-orientable. We further demonstrate the adiabatic evolution of EPs and the emergence of orientation-sensitive observables in a Klein Brillouin zone, described by an effective non-Hermitian Hamiltonian that preserves momentum-space glide symmetry. Finally, we numerically implement these ideas in a microdisk cavity with embedded scatterers using synthetic momenta.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Emergence of Unpinned Dirac Points in Defected Photonic Crystals

Unpinned Dirac points (DPs) are nodal point degeneracies that occur at generic momentum points lacking high symmetry, often exhibiting characteristics typically forbidden by symmetry. While this phenomenon has been observed in solid-state materials, the formation of unpinned DPs in photonic crystals has not been extensively studied. This study presents a novel approach to achieving unpinned DPs in two-dimensional ``defected photonic crystals"-photonic superlattices created by modifying the size or refractive index of dielectric disks at specific sites. The defected photonic crystal hosts multiple unpinned DPs through accidental band crossings induced by rotational symmetry breaking across the nodal line degeneracies prevalent in the superlattice. Furthermore, the number of unpinned DPs, along with their positions and anisotropic dispersions, can be manipulated by adjusting the size or refractive index of the dielectric disks. This study pioneers the exploration of defected photonic crystals, proposing them as effective means of achieving unpinned DPs and facilitating the investigation of novel relativistic photonic wave phenomena with significant flexibility and control.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Decay Rates of Optical Modes Unveil the Island Structures in Mixed Phase Space

We explore the decay rates of optical modes in asymmetric microcavities with mixed phase space across a wide range of wavelengths that extend deep into the semiclassical, i.e., short-wavelength limit. Implementing an efficient numerical method, we computed 1000000 eigenmodes and discovered that certain decay rates form sequential separate branches with increasing wavenumber that eventually merge into smooth curves. The analysis of the localization properties and Husimi distributions reveals that each branch corresponds to a periodic orbit in the closed classical system. Our findings show that these decay rates gradually resolve the structure of the islands in mixed phase space as we approach the short-wavelength limit. We present an effective semiclassical model incorporating wavenumber-dependent localization, Fresnel reflection, and the Goos-Haenchen shift and demonstrate that these effects are crucial in accounting for the observed branches of decay rate curves.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2024

Complex energy structures of exceptional point pairs in two level systems

We investigate the topological properties of multiple exceptional points in non-Hermitian two-level systems, emphasizing vorticity as a topological invariant arising from complex energy structures. We categorize EP pairs as fundamental building blocks of larger EP assemblies, distinguishing two types: type-I pairs with opposite vorticities and type-II pairs with identical vorticities. By analyzing the branch cut formation in a two-dimensional parameter space, we reveal the distinct topological features of each EP pair type. Furthermore, we extend our analysis to configurations with multiple EPs, demonstrating the cumulative vorticity and topological implications. To illustrate these theoretical structures, we model complex energy bands within a two-dimensional photonic crystal composed of lossy materials, identifying various EP pairs and their branch cuts. These findings contribute to the understanding of topological characteristics in non-Hermitian systems.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2024

Pseudo-Hermitian Topology of Multiband Non-Hermitian Systems

The complex eigenenergies and non-orthogonal eigenstates of non-Hermitian systems exhibit unique topological phenomena that cannot appear in Hermitian systems. Representative examples are the non-Hermitian skin effect and exceptional points. In a two-dimensional parameter space, topological classifications of non-separable bands in multiband non-Hermitian systems can be established by invoking a permutation group, where the product of the permutation represents state exchange due to exceptional points in the space. We unveil in this work the role of pseudo-Hermitian lines in non-Hermitian topology for multiple bands. In particular, the non-separability of non-Hermitian multibands can be topologically non-trivial without exceptional points in two-dimensional space. As a physical illustration of the role of pseudo-Hermitian lines, we examine a multiband structure of a photonic crystal system with lossy materials. Our work builds on the fundamental and comprehensive understanding of non-Hermitian multiband systems and also offers versatile applications and realizations of non-Hermitian systems without the need to consider exceptional points.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Realization of geometric phase topology induced by multiple exceptional points

Non-Hermitian systems have Riemann surface structures of complex eigenvalues that admit singularities known as exceptional points. Combining with geometric phases of eigenstates gives rise to unique properties of non-Hermitian systems, and their classifications have been studied recently. However, the physical realizations of classes of the classifications have been relatively limited because a small number of modes and exceptional points are involved. In this work, we show in microcavities that all five classes [J.-W. Ryu, et al., Commun. Phys. 7, 109 (2024)] of three modes can emerge with three exceptional points. In demonstrations, we identified various combinations of exceptional points within a two-dimensional parameter space of a single microcavity and defined five distinct encircling loops based on three selected exceptional points. According to the classification, these loops facilitate different mode exchanges and the acquisition of additional geometric phases during the adiabatic encircling of exceptional points. Our results provide a broad description of the geometric phases-associated topology induced by multiple exceptional points in realistic physical systems.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2024

Diamond molecular balance: Revolutionizing high-resolution mass spectrometry from MDa to TDa at room temperature

The significance of mass spectrometry lies in its unparalleled ability to accurately identify and quantify molecules in complex samples, providing invaluable insights into molecular structures and interactions. Here, we leverage diamond nanostructures as highly sensitive mass sensors by utilizing a self-excitation mechanism under an electron beam in a conventional scanning electron microscope (SEM). The diamond molecular balance (DMB) exhibits an exceptional mass resolution of 0.36 MDa, based on its outstanding mechanical quality factor and frequency stability, along with an extensive dynamic range from MDa to TDa. This positions the DMB at the forefront of molecular balances operating at room temperature. Notably, the DMB demonstrates its ability to measure the mass of a single bacteriophage T4 by precisely locating the analyte on the device. These findings highlight the groundbreaking potential of the DMB as a revolutionary tool for mass spectrometry at room temperature.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2023

Exceptional Classifications of Non-Hermitian Systems

Eigenstate coalescence in non-Hermitian systems is widely observed in diverse scientific domains encompassing optics and open quantum systems. Recent investigations have revealed that adiabatic encircling of exceptional points (EPs) leads to a nontrivial Berry phase in addition to an exchange of eigenstates. Based on these phenomena, we propose in this work an exhaustive classification framework for EPs in non-Hermitian physical systems. In contrast to previous classifications that only incorporate the eigenstate exchange effect, our proposed classification gives rise to finer $\mathbb{Z}_2$ classifications depending on the presence of a $π$ Berry phase after the encircling of the EPs. Moreover, by mapping arbitrary one-dimensional systems to the adiabatic encircling of EPs, we can classify one-dimensional non-Hermitian systems characterized by topological phase transitions involving EPs. Applying our exceptional classification to various one-dimensional models, such as the non-reciprocal Su--Schrieffer--Heeger (SSH) model, we exhibit the potential for enhancing the understanding of topological phases in non-Hermitian systems. Additionally, we address exceptional bulk-boundary correspondence and the emergence of distinct topological boundary modes in non-Hermitian systems.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Strong interlayer coupling and stable topological flat bands in twisted bilayer photonic Moire superlattices

The moiré superlattice of misaligned atomic bilayers paves the way for designing a new class of materials with wide tunability. In this work, we propose a photonic analog of the moiré superlattice based on dielectric resonator quasi-atoms. In sharp contrast to van der Waals materials with weak interlayer coupling, we realize the strong coupling regime in a moiré superlattice, characterized by cascades of robust flat bands at large twist-angles. Surprisingly, we find that these flat bands are characterized by a non-trivial band topology, the origin of which is the moiré pattern of the resonator arrangement. The physical manifestation of the flat band topology is a robust one-dimensional conducting channel on edge, protected by the reflection symmetry of the moiré superlattice. By explicitly breaking the underlying reflection symmetry on the boundary terminations, we show that the first-order topological edge modes naturally deform into higher-order topological corner modes. Our work pioneers the physics of topological phases in the designable platform of photonic moiré superlattices beyond the weakly coupled regime.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2023

Bloch theorem dictated wave chaos in microcavity crystals

Universality class of wave chaos emerges in many areas of science, such as molecular dynamics, optics, and network theory. In this work, we generalize the wave chaos theory to cavity lattice systems by discovering the intrinsic coupling of the crystal momentum to the internal cavity dynamics. The cavity-momentum locking substitutes the role of the deformed boundary shape in the ordinary single microcavity problem, providing a new platform for the in situ study of microcavity light dynamics. The transmutation of wave chaos in periodic lattices leads to a phase space reconfiguration that induces a dynamical localization transition. The degenerate scar-mode spinors hybridize and non-trivially localize around regular islands in phase space. In addition, we find that the momentum coupling becomes maximal at the Brillouin zone boundary, so the intercavity chaotic modes coupling and wave confinement are significantly altered. Our work pioneers the study of intertwining wave chaos in periodic systems and provide useful applications in light dynamics control.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Classification of multiple arbitrary-order non-Hermitian singularities

We demonstrate general classifications of Riemann surface topology generated by multiple arbitrary-order exceptional points of quasi-stationary states. Our studies reveal all possible product permutations of holonomy matrices that describe a stroboscopic encircling of 2nd order exceptional points. The permutations turn out to be categorized into a finite number of classes according to the topological structures of the Riemann surfaces. We further show that the permutation classes can be derived from combinations of cyclic building blocks associated with higher-order exceptional points. Our results are verified by an effective non-Hermitian Hamiltonian founded on generic Jordan forms and then examined in physical systems of desymmetrized optical microcavities.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Impact of non-Hermitian Mode interaction on Inter-cavity Light transfer

Understanding inter-site mutual mode interaction in coupled physical systems is essential to comprehend large compound systems as this local interaction determines the successive multiple inter-site energy transfer efficiency. We demonstrate that only the non-Hermitian coupling can correctly account for the light transfer between two coupled optical cavities. We also reveal that the non-Hermitian coupling effect becomes much crucial as the system dimension gets smaller. Our results provide an important insight to deal with general coupled-devices in the quantum regime.

physics.optics↗