Statistical mechanics for non-Hermitian quantum systems
We present a systematic study of statistical mechanics for non-Hermitian quantum systems. Our work reveals that the stability of a non-Hermitian system necessitates the existence of a single path-dependent conserved quantity, which, in conjunction with the system's Hamiltonian, dictates the equ...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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American Physical Society
2023-09-01
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| Series: | Physical Review Research |
| Online Access: | http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.5.033196 |
| _version_ | 1797210408148271104 |
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| author | Kui Cao Su-Peng Kou |
| author_facet | Kui Cao Su-Peng Kou |
| author_sort | Kui Cao |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | We present a systematic study of statistical mechanics for non-Hermitian quantum systems. Our work reveals that the stability of a non-Hermitian system necessitates the existence of a single path-dependent conserved quantity, which, in conjunction with the system's Hamiltonian, dictates the equilibrium state. By elucidating the relationship between the Hamiltonian and the supported conserved quantity, we propose criteria for discerning equilibrium states with finite relaxation times. Although our findings indicate that only non-Hermitian systems with real energy spectrum precisely possess such conserved quantities, we also demonstrate that an effective conserved quantity can manifest in certain systems with complex energy spectra. The effective conserved quantity, alongside the effective transitions within their associated subspace, collectively determines the system's equilibrium state. Our results provide valuable insights into non-Hermitian systems across more realistic contexts and hold potential for applications in a diverse range of physical systems. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-24T10:10:07Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-dab270b46d534db5a72e03de58b990b0 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2643-1564 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-24T10:10:07Z |
| publishDate | 2023-09-01 |
| publisher | American Physical Society |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Physical Review Research |
| spelling | doaj.art-dab270b46d534db5a72e03de58b990b02024-04-12T17:34:12ZengAmerican Physical SocietyPhysical Review Research2643-15642023-09-015303319610.1103/PhysRevResearch.5.033196Statistical mechanics for non-Hermitian quantum systemsKui CaoSu-Peng KouWe present a systematic study of statistical mechanics for non-Hermitian quantum systems. Our work reveals that the stability of a non-Hermitian system necessitates the existence of a single path-dependent conserved quantity, which, in conjunction with the system's Hamiltonian, dictates the equilibrium state. By elucidating the relationship between the Hamiltonian and the supported conserved quantity, we propose criteria for discerning equilibrium states with finite relaxation times. Although our findings indicate that only non-Hermitian systems with real energy spectrum precisely possess such conserved quantities, we also demonstrate that an effective conserved quantity can manifest in certain systems with complex energy spectra. The effective conserved quantity, alongside the effective transitions within their associated subspace, collectively determines the system's equilibrium state. Our results provide valuable insights into non-Hermitian systems across more realistic contexts and hold potential for applications in a diverse range of physical systems.http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.5.033196 |
| spellingShingle | Kui Cao Su-Peng Kou Statistical mechanics for non-Hermitian quantum systems Physical Review Research |
| title | Statistical mechanics for non-Hermitian quantum systems |
| title_full | Statistical mechanics for non-Hermitian quantum systems |
| title_fullStr | Statistical mechanics for non-Hermitian quantum systems |
| title_full_unstemmed | Statistical mechanics for non-Hermitian quantum systems |
| title_short | Statistical mechanics for non-Hermitian quantum systems |
| title_sort | statistical mechanics for non hermitian quantum systems |
| url | http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.5.033196 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT kuicao statisticalmechanicsfornonhermitianquantumsystems AT supengkou statisticalmechanicsfornonhermitianquantumsystems |