Gain-Free Parity-Time Symmetry for Evanescent Fields

Parity-time (PT) symmetry, satisfied when a system commutes under combined parity and time-reversal operations, enables extreme optical responses in non-Hermitian systems with balanced distributions of gain and loss. In this Letter, we propose a different path for PT symmetry utilizing the evanescent field excitation of anti-PT-symmetric structures, which anticommute with the PT operator and do not necessarily require gain. Beyond offering a robust platform to explore PT symmetry, our study showcases an important link between non-Hermitian physics and near-field interactions, with implications in nanophotonics, plasmonies, and acoustics for nanoimaging, sensing, and communications.

Automated summary

The study proposes a new pathway for PT symmetry using the evanescent field excitation of anti-PT-symmetric structures, demonstrating an important link between non-Hermitian physics and near-field interactions with implications in nanophotonics, plasmonics, and acoustics for applications in nanoimaging, sensing, and communications.