Non-Hermitian bulk-boundary correspondence via scattering theory

Abstract

The conventional bulk-boundary correspondence breaks down in non-Hermitian systems. In this paper, we reestablish the bulk-boundary correspondence in one-dimensional non-Hermitian systems by applying the scattering theory, which is a systematical way in various symmetry classes. Based on the scattering theory, it is discovered that the topological invariant can be obtained by solving a generalized eigenproblem without calculating the generalized Brillouin zone. As a direct consequence, we unveil a new type of topological phase transition without typical bulk enengy gap closing and an unstable phase with topological boundary states, dubbed the critical topological phase.