Effective spontaneous PT-symmetry breaking in hybridized metamaterials
Abstract
We show that metamaterials can be used as a testing ground to investigate spontaneous symmetry breaking associated with non-Hermitian quantum systems. By exploring the interplay between near-field dipolar coupling and material absorption or gain, we demonstrate various spontaneous breaking processes of the PT-symmetry for a series of effective Hamiltonians associated to the scattering matrix. By tuning the coupling parameter, coherent perfect absorption, laser action and gain-induced complete reflection (π reflector) by using an ultra-thin metamaterial can be obtained. Moreover, an ideal PT-symmetry can be established effectively in a passive system by exploring the balance between scattering and absorption loss using metamaterials.
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