Non-Hermitian photonic lattices: tutorial

Non-Hermitian photonic lattices combine the peculiar consequences of energy non-conservation with the physics of bandstructures, giving rise to a variety of exotic properties not found in conventional materials or photonic metamaterials. In this tutorial, we introduce the key concepts in the design and implementation of non-Hermitian photonic lattices, including the general features of non-Hermitian lattice Hamiltonians and their bandstructures, the role of non-Hermitian lattice symmetries, and the topological chracterization of non-Hermitian bandstruc-tures. We survey several important non-Hermitian lattice designs, as well as the photonics platforms on which they can be realized. Finally, we discuss the possibilities for future developments in the field.(c) 2023 Optica Publishing Group

Automated summary

Non-Hermitian photonic lattices combine energy non-conservation with bandstructure physics, resulting in unique properties absent in conventional materials or photonic metamaterials. This tutorial introduces the key concepts in the design and implementation of non-Hermitian photonic lattices, including the features of non-Hermitian lattice Hamiltonians and their bandstructures, the role of non-Hermitian lattice symmetries, and the topological characterization of non-Hermitian bandstructures. It also surveys important non-Hermitian lattice designs and the photonics platforms for their realization, concluding with discussions on future developments in the field.