Delocalization of a non-Hermitian quantum walk on random media in one dimension

We first review the localization-delocalization transition of a non-Hermitian random tight-binding Anderson model, called the Hatano-Nelson model. We then report a new result for a non-Hermitian extension of a discrete-time quantum walk on a one-dimensional random medium; we numerically find a delocalization transition similar to one of the Hatano-Nelson model. As a common feature to both models, at the transition point, an eigenvector gets delocalized and at the same time the corresponding energy eigenvalue (for the latter quantum-walk model, the imaginary unit times the phase of the eigenvalue of the time-evolution operator) becomes complex. One of the unique properties of the present non-Hermitian quantum walk is that the localization length of all eigenvectors is the same, and thereby all eigenstates simultaneously undergo the delocalization transition and all energy eigenvalues become complex at the same time when we turn up a non-Hermitian parameter. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

By examining the Hatano-Nelson model and a non-Hermitian extension of a discrete-time quantum walk, it is found that at the transition point, eigenvectors become delocalized and corresponding energy eigenvalues turn complex, a common feature between the two models. Furthermore, in the non-Hermitian quantum walk, all eigenvectors have the same localization length, leading to simultaneous delocalization transition of all eigenstates and complexification of all energy eigenvalues when increasing a non-Hermitian parameter.