Equivalence of the effective non-hermitian Hamiltonians in the context of open quantum systems and strongly-correlated electron systems

Abstract

Recently, it has become clear that non-hermitian phenomena can be observed not only in open quantum systems experiencing gain and loss but also in equilibrium single-particle properties of strongly correlated systems. However, the circumstances and requirements for the emergence of non-hermitian phenomena in each field are entirely different. While the implementation of postselection is a significant obstacle to observe non-hermitian phenomena in open quantum systems, it is unnecessary in strongly correlated systems. Until now, a relation between both descriptions of non-hermitian phenomena has not been revealed. In this paper, we close this gap and demonstrate that the non-hermitian Hamiltonians emerging in both fields are identical, and we clarify the conditions for the emergence of a non-hermitian Hamiltonian in strongly correlated materials. Using this knowledge, we propose a method to analyze non-hermitian properties without the necessity of postselection by studying specific response functions of open quantum systems and strongly correlated systems.