Non-Hermitian systems can manifest rich static and dynamical properties at their exceptional points (EPs). Here, we identify yet another class of distinct phenomena that is hinged on EPs, namely, the emergence of a series of non-Hermitian conservation laws. We demonstrate these distinct phenomena concretely in the non-Hermitian Heisenberg chain and formulate a general theory for identifying these emergent non-Hermitian conservation laws at EPs. By establishing a one-to-one correspondence between the constants of motion (COMs) at EPs and those in corresponding auxiliary Hermitian systems, we trace their physical origin back to the presence of emergent symmetries in the auxiliary systems. Concrete simulations on quantum circuits show that these emergent conserved dynamics can be readily observed in current digital quantum computing systems.
Non-Hermitian systems can manifest rich static and dynamical properties at their exceptional points (EPs). Here, we identify yet another class of distinct phenomena that is hinged on EPs, namely, the emergence of a series of non-Hermitian conservation laws. We demonstrate these distinct phenomena concretely in the non-Hermitian Heisenberg chain and formulate a general theory for identifying these emergent non-Hermitian conservation laws at EPs. By establishing a one-to-one correspondence between the constants of motion (COMs) at EPs and those in corresponding auxiliary Hermitian systems, we trace their physical origin back to the presence of emergent symmetries in the auxiliary systems. Concrete simulations on quantum circuits show that these emergent conserved dynamics can be readily observed in current digital quantum computing systems.
Abstract Exceptional points (EPs) occur in non-Hermitian systems where eigenvalues and eigenvectors coalesce. In open quantum systems, EPs are typically studied via non-Hermitian effective Hamiltonians or Liouvillians, but these omit the full generality of quantum dynamics, which requires description using quantum channels. Here, we introduce a general strategy for generating quantum-channel EPs in the single-qubit setting. We show that quantum channels naturally fall into two distinct phases, purely real or complex-conjugate eigenvalues, without the need of enforcing additional symmetries, and interpolating between different phases induces a phase transition where EPs can emerge. We experimentally simulate such channels on a nuclear magnetic resonance quantum computer, observing second-order quantum-channel EPs with 93% fidelity, and extend the approach to three channels to uncover exceptional lines and a third-order quantum-channel EP. Our results promise potential applications from enhanced quantum sensing to quantum control, such as Jordan-chain mediated asymmetric conversion.
Exceptional points (EPs) occur in non-Hermitian systems where eigenvalues and eigenvectors coalesce. In open quantum systems, EPs are typically studied via non-Hermitian effective Hamiltonians or Liouvillians, but these omit the full generality of quantum dynamics, which requires description using quantum channels. Here, we introduce a general strategy for generating quantum-channel EPs in the single-qubit setting. We show that quantum channels naturally fall into two distinct phases, purely real or complex-conjugate eigenvalues, without the need of enforcing additional symmetries, and interpolating between different phases induces a phase transition where EPs can emerge. We experimentally simulate such channels on a nuclear magnetic resonance quantum computer, observing second-order quantum-channel EPs with 93% fidelity, and extend the approach to three channels to uncover exceptional lines and a third-order quantum-channel EP. Our results promise potential applications from enhanced quantum sensing to quantum control, such as Jordan-chain mediated asymmetric conversion.
Exceptional points (EPs) are the spectral singularities and one of the central concepts of non-Hermitian physics, originating from the inevitable energy exchange with the surrounding environment. EPs exist in diverse physical systems and give rise to many counterintuitive effects, offering rich opportunities to control the dynamics and alter the properties of optical, electronic, acoustic, and mechanical states. The last two decades have witnessed the flourishing of non-Hermitian physics and associated applications related to coalesced eigenstates at EPs in a plethora of classical systems. While stemming from the quantum mechanism, the implementation of EPs in real quantum systems still faces challenges of tuning and stabilizing the systems at EPs, as well as the additional noises that hinder the observation of relevant phenomena. This review mainly focuses on summarizing the current efforts and opportunities offered by quantum EPs that result from or produce observable quantum effects. We introduce the concepts of Hamiltonian and Liouvillian EPs in the quantum regime and focus on their different properties in connection with quantum jumps and decoherence. We then provide a comprehensive discussion covering the theoretical and experimental advances in accessing EPs in diverse quantum systems and platforms. Special attention is paid to EP-based quantum-optics applications with state-of-art technologies. Finally, we present a discussion on the existing challenges of constructing quantum EPs at the nanoscale and an outlook on the fundamental science and applied technologies of quantum EPs, aiming to provide valuable insights for future research and building quantum devices with high performance and advanced functionalities.
Open quantum systems can be approximately described by non-Hermitian Hamiltonians (NHHs) and Liouvillian superoperators. The two approaches differ by quantum jump terms corresponding to a measurement of the system by its environment. We analyze the emergence of exceptional points (EPs) in NHHs and Liouvillian superoperators. In particular, we show how EPs in NHHs relate to a novel type of EPs -- multi-block EPs -- in the no-jump Liouvillian, i.e. the Liouvillian superoperator in absence of quantum jump terms. We further analyze how quantum jump terms modify the multi-block structure. To illustrate our general findings, we present two prime examples: qubits and qutrits coupled to additional ground state levels that serve as sinks of the population. In those examples, we can navigate through the EP block structure by a variation of physical parameters. We analyze how the dynamics of the population of the states is affected by the order of the EPs. Additionally, we demonstrate that the quantum geometric tensor serves as a sensitive indicator of EPs of different kinds.
Exceptional points (EPs) are singularities in the spectra of non-Hermitian operators where eigenvalues and eigenvectors coalesce. Open quantum systems have recently been explored as EP testbeds due to their non-Hermitian nature. However, most studies focus on the Markovian limit, leaving a gap in understanding EPs in the non-Markovian regime. This work addresses this gap by proposing a general framework based on two numerically exact descriptions of non-Markovian dynamics: the pseudomode equation of motion (PMEOM) and the hierarchical equations of motion (HEOM). The PMEOM is particularly useful due to its Lindblad-type structure, aligning with previous studies in the Markovian regime while offering deeper insights into EP identification. This framework incorporates non-Markovian effects through auxiliary degrees of freedom, enabling the discovery of additional or higher-order EPs that are inaccessible in the Markovian regime. We demonstrate the utility of this approach using the spin-boson model and linear bosonic systems. The full description of exceptional points in the non-Markovian regime is complicated by the unclear applicability of standard techniques such as spectral analysis. Here, the authors fill this gap by proposing a general framework that combines the pseudomode equation of motion and the hierarchical equations of motion.
Exceptional points (EPs), arising in non-Hermitian systems, have garnered significant attention in recent years, enabling advancements in sensing, wave manipulation, and mode selectivity. However, their role in quantum systems, particularly in influencing quantum correlations, remains underexplored. In this work, we investigate how EPs control multimode entanglement in bosonic chains. Using a Bogoliubov-de Gennes (BdG) framework to describe the Heisenberg equations, we identify EPs of varying orders and uncover spectral transitions between purely real, purely imaginary, and mixed eigenvalue spectra. These spectral regions, divided by EPs, correspond to three distinct entanglement dynamics: oscillatory, exponential, and hybrid. Remarkably, we demonstrate that higher-order EPs, realized by non-integer- π hopping phases or nonuniform interaction strengths, significantly enhance the degree of multimode entanglement compared to second-order EPs. Our findings provide a pathway to leveraging EPs for entanglement control and exhibit the potential of non-Hermitian physics in advancing quantum technologies.