arXiv subjects

W. D. Heiss

Publications and source records attributed to W. D. Heiss.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2013

Spectral singularities in PT-symmetric Bose-Einstein condensates

We consider the model of a PT-symmetric Bose-Einstein condensate in a delta-functions double-well potential. We demonstrate that analytic continuation of the primarily non-analytic term |psi|^2 psi - occurring in the underlying Gross-Pitaevskii equation - yields new branch points where three levels coalesce. We show numerically that the new branch points exhibit the behaviour of exceptional points of second and third order. A matrix model which confirms the numerical findings in analytic terms is given.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2012

The physics of exceptional points

A short resume is given about the nature of exceptional points (EPs) followed by discussions about their ubiquitous occurrence in a great variety of physical problems. EPs feature in classical as well as in quantum mechanical problems. They are associated with symmetry breaking for ${\cal PT}$-symmetric Hamiltonians, where a great number of experiments have been performed in particular in optics, and to an increasing extent in atomic and molecular physics. EPs are involved in quantum phase transition and quantum chaos, they produce dramatic effects in multichannel scattering, specific time dependence and more. In nuclear physics they are associated with instabilities and continuum problems. Being spectral singularities they also affect approximation schemes.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2011

Spectral Singularities and Zero Energy Bound States

Single particle scattering around zero energy is re-analysed in view of recent experiments with ultra-cold atoms, nano-structures and nuclei far from the stability valley. For non-zero orbital angular momentum the low energy scattering cross section exhibits dramatic changes depending on the occurrence of either a near resonance or a bound state or the situation in between, that is a bound state at zero energy. Such state is singular in that it has an infinite scattering length, behaves for the eigenvalues but not for the eigenfunctions as an exceptional point and has no pole in the scattering function. These results should be observable whenever the interaction or scattering length can be controlled.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2010

Resonance scattering and singularities of the scattering function

Recent studies of transport phenomena with complex potentials are explained by generic square root singularities of spectrum and eigenfunctions of non-Hermitian Hamiltonians. Using a two channel problem we demonstrate that such singularities produce a significant effect upon the pole behaviour of the scattering matrix, and more significantly upon the associated residues. This mechanism explains why by proper choice of the system parameters the resonance cross section is increased drastically in one channel and suppressed in the other channel.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2007

Non-Hermitian Hamiltonians, Metric, Other Observables and Physical Implications

The metric associated with a quasi-Hermitian Hamiltonian and its physical implications are scrutinised. Consequences of the non-uniqueness such as the question of the probability interpretation and the possible and forbidden choices of additional observables are investigated and exemplified by specific illustrative examples. In particular it is argued that the improper identification of observables lies at the origin of the claimed violation of the brachistchrone transition time between orthogonal states. The need for further physical input to remove ambiguities is pointed out.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2007

Instabilities, nonhermiticity and exceptional points in the cranking model

A cranking harmonic oscillator model, widely used for the physics of fast rotating nuclei and Bose-Einstein condensates, is re-investigated in the context of PT-symmetry. The instability points of the model are identified as exceptional points. It is argued that - even though the Hamiltonian appears hermitian at first glance - it actually is not hermitian within the region of instability.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2007

Chirality of wave functions for three coalescing levels

The coalescence of three levels has particular attractive features. Even though it may be difficult to realise such event in the laboratory (three additional real parameters must be adjusted), to take up the challenge seems worthwhile. In the same way as the chiral behaviour of a usual EP can give a direction on a line, the state vectors in the vicinity of an EP3 provide an orientation in the plane. The distinction between left and right handedness depends on the distribution of the widths of the three levels in the vicinity of the point of coalescence.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2006

Choice of a Metric for the Non-Hermitian Oscillator

The harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian, when augmented by a non-Hermitian $\cal{PT}$-symmetric part, can be transformed into a Hermitian Hamiltonian. This is achieved by introducing a metric which, in general, renders other observables such as the usual momentum or position as non-Hermitian operators. The metric depends on one real parameter, the full range of which is investigated. The explicit functional dependence of the metric and each associated Hamiltonian is given. A specific choice of this parameter determines a specific combination of position and momentum as being an observable; this can be in particular either standard position or momentum, but not both simultaneously. Singularities of the metric are explored and their removability is investigated. The physical significance of these findings is discussed

quant-ph↗

arXiv2004

Encircling an Exceptional Point

We calculate analytically the geometric phases that the eigenvectors of a parametric dissipative two-state system described by a complex symmetric Hamiltonian pick up when an exceptional point (EP) is encircled. An EP is a parameter setting where the two eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenvectors of the Hamiltonian coalesce. We show that it can be encircled on a path along which the eigenvectors remain approximately real and discuss a microwave cavity experiment, where such an encircling of an EP was realized. Since the wavefunctions remain approximately real, they could be reconstructed from the nodal lines of the recorded spatial intensity distributions of the electric fields inside the resonator. We measured the geometric phases that occur when an EP is encircled four times and thus confirmed that for our system an EP is a branch point of fourth order.

nlin.CD↗

arXiv2004

Time Reversal and Exceptional Points

Eigenvectors of decaying quantum systems are studied at exceptional points of the Hamiltonian. Special attention is paid to the properties of the system under time reversal symmetry breaking. At the exceptional point the chiral character of the system -- found for time reversal symmetry -- generically persists. It is, however, no longer circular but rather elliptic.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2003

Observation of Exceptional Points in Electronic Circuits

Two damped coupled oscillators have been used to demonstrate the occurrence of exceptional points in a purely classical system. The implementation was achieved with electronic circuits in the kHz-range. The experimental results perfectly match the mathematical predictions at the exceptional point. A discussion about the universal occurrence of exceptional points -- connecting dissipation with spatial orientation -- concludes the paper.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2003

Comment on ''Exceptional points and double poles of the S matrix''

In a recent paper [Phys. Rev. E 67, 026204 (2003)], Rotter calculates the geometric phases that are picked up by the eigenvectors of a two-state quantum system when an exceptional point is encircled. In addition to the geometric phases observed by Dembowski et al. in a microwave cavity experiment [Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 787 (2001)], she finds a phase factor of i. We show that Rotters results are inconsistent.

nlin.CD↗

arXiv2003

Exceptional Points of Non-hermitian Operators

Exceptional points associated with non-hermitian operators, i.e. operators being non-hermitian for real parameter values, are investigated. The specific characteristics of the eigenfunctions at the exceptional point are worked out. Within the domain of real parameters the exceptional points are the points where eigenvalues switch from real to complex values. These and other results are exemplified by a classical problem leading to exceptional points of a non-hermitian matrix.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2003

Observation of a Chiral State in a Microwave Cavity

A microwave experiment has been realized to measure the phase difference of the oscillating electric field at two points inside the cavity. The technique has been applied to a dissipative resonator which exhibits a singularity -- called exceptional point -- in its eigenvalue and eigenvector spectrum. At the singularity, two modes coalesce with a phase difference of $π/2 .$ We conclude that the state excited at the singularity has a definitiv chirality.

nlin.CD↗

arXiv2002

Global and Local Aspects of Exceptional Point

Exceptional points are singularities of eigenvalues and eigenvectors for complex values of, say, an interaction parameter. They occur universally and are square root branch point singularities of the eigenvalues in the vicinity of level repulsions. The intricate connection between the distribution of exceptional points and particular fluctuation properties of level spacing is discussed. The distribution of the exceptional points of the problem $H_0+λH_1$ is given for the situation of hard chaos. Theoretical predictions of local properties of exceptional points have recently been confirmed experimentally. This relates to the specific topological structure of an exceptional point as well as to the chiral properties of the wave functions associated with exceptional points.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2002

Self-Consistent Harmonic Oscillator Model and Tilted Rotation

The three dimensional harmonic oscillator model including a cranking term is used for an energy variational calculation. Energy minima are found under variation of the three oscillator frequencies determining the shape of the system for given values of the three components of the rotational vector which determines the orientation of the angular momentum in the intrinsic frame. Tilted rotations are established by numerical means for triaxial nuclei. The onset of tilted rotations is related to an instability of the mean field as verified by the random phase approximation. Analytic expressions are derived for the critical rotational frequencies associated with the mean field instability.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2000

The Chirality of Exceptional Points

Exceptional points are singularities of the spectrum and wave functions which occur in connection with level repulsion. They are accessible in experiments using dissipative systems. It is shown that the wave function at an exceptional point is one specific superposition of two wave functions which are themselves specified by the exceptional point. The phase relation of this superposition brings about a chirality which should be detectable in an experiment.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2000

Tilted Rotation and Wobbling Motion in Nuclei

The self-consistent harmonic oscillator model including the three-dimensional cranking term is extended to describe collective excitations in the random phase approximation. It is found that quadrupole collective excitations associated with wobbling motion in rotating nuclei lead to the appearance of two- or three-dimensional rotation.

nucl-th↗