Simple formulas of directional amplification from non-Bloch band theory

Green's functions are fundamental quantities that determine the linear responses of physical systems. The recent developments of non-Hermitian systems, therefore, call for Green's function formulas of non-Hermitian bands. This task is complicated by the high sensitivity of energy spectrums to boundary conditions, which invalidates the straightforward generalization of Hermitian formulas. Here, based on the non-Bloch band theory, we obtain simple Green's function formulas of general one-dimensional non-Hermitian bands. Furthermore, in the large-size limit, these formulas dramatically reduce to finding the roots of a simple algebraic equation. As an application, our formulation provides the desirable formulas for the defining quantities, the gain and directionality, of directional amplification. Thus our formulas provide an efficient guide for designing directional amplifiers.

Automated summary

Green's functions are fundamental for determining linear responses of physical systems. Recent developments in non-Hermitian systems require corresponding Green's function formulas. Sensitivity of energy spectrums to boundary conditions complicates this task, making straightforward generalization of traditional formulas invalid.