Effective spontaneous PT-symmetry breaking in hybridized metamaterials

Ming Kang, Fu Liu, Jensen Li

    Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 22 - Publication in policy or professional journal

    122 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    We show that metamaterials can be used as a testing ground to investigate spontaneous symmetry breaking associated with non-Hermitian quantum systems. By exploring the interplay between near-field dipolar coupling and material absorption or gain, we demonstrate various spontaneous breaking processes of the PT symmetry for a series of effective Hamiltonians associated with the scattering matrix. By tuning the coupling parameter, coherent perfect absorption, laser action, and gain-induced complete reflection (π reflector) by using an ultrathin metamaterial can be obtained. Moreover, an ideal PT symmetry can be established effectively in a passive system by exploring the balance between scattering and absorption loss using metamaterials. © 2013 American Physical Society.
    Original languageEnglish
    Article number53824
    JournalPhysical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
    Volume87
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 17 May 2013

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