Absence of topological insulator phases in non-Hermitian PT-symmetric Hamiltonians
Journal Article
·
· Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois, 1110 West Green St., Urbana, Illinois 61801 (United States)
In this work, we consider a generalization of the symmetry classification of topological insulators to non-Hermitian Hamiltonians, which satisfy a combined PT symmetry (parity and time reversal). We show via examples and explicit proofs from separate bulk and gapless boundary-state perspectives that the typical paradigm of forming topological insulator states from Dirac Hamiltonians is not compatible with the construction of non-Hermitian PT-symmetric Hamiltonians. The topological insulator states are PT-breaking phases and have energy spectra that are complex (not real) and, thus, are not consistent quantum theories.
- OSTI ID:
- 21596898
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, Journal Name: Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics Journal Issue: 15 Vol. 84; ISSN 1098-0121
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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