Anderson localization transition in a robust <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:mi mathvariant="script">PT</mml:mi></mml:math>-symmetric phase of a generalized Aubry-André model

Abstract

We study a generalized Aubry-Andr\'e model that obeys $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry. We observe a robust $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric phase with respect to system size and disorder strength, where all eigenvalues are real despite the Hamiltonian being non-Hermitian. This robust $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric phase can support an Anderson localization transition, giving a rich phase diagram as a result of the interplay between disorder and $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry. Our model provides a perfect platform to study disorder-driven localization phenomena in a $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric system.

Topics & Concepts