Asymmetric scattering by non-Hermitian potentials

Author： Ruschhaupt A. Dowdall T. Simón M. A. Muga J. G.

E-ISSN： 1286-4854|120|2|20001-20001

ISSN： 0295-5075

Source： EPL (EUROPHYSICS LETTERS), Vol.120, Iss.2, 2018-01, pp. : 20001-20001

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Abstract

The scattering of quantum particles by non-Hermitian (generally non-local) potentials in one dimension may result in asymmetric transmission and/or reflection from left and right incidence. After extending the concept of symmetry for non-Hermitian potentials, eight generalized symmetries based on the discrete Klein's four-group (formed by parity, time reversal, their product, and unity) are found. Together with generalized unitarity relations they determine selection rules for the possible and/or forbidden scattering asymmetries. Six basic device types are identified when the scattering coefficients (squared moduli of scattering amplitudes) adopt zero/one values, and transmission and/or reflection are asymmetric. They can pictorically be described as a one-way mirror, a one-way barrier (a Maxwell pressure demon), one-way (transmission or reflection) filters, a mirror with unidirectional transmission, and a transparent, one-way reflector. We design potentials for these devices and also demonstrate that the behavior of the scattering coefficients can be extended to a broad range of incident momenta.