Observation of exceptional points in a spherical open elastic system

Exceptional points (EPs) are spectral singularities in non-Hermitian systems where eigenvalues and their corresponding eigenstates coalesce simultaneously. In this study, we calculate scattering poles in an open spherical solid and propose a depth-first search-based method to identify EPs. Using the proposed method, we numerically identify multiple EPs in a parameter space and confirm the simultaneous degeneracy of scattering poles through numerical experiments. The proposed method and findings enable the exploration of applications in practical three-dimensional models. • A depth-first search method identifies exceptional points in open elastic systems. • Displacement field is decomposed into SH-waves and coupled P- and SV-waves. • Scattering poles are calculated using Sakurai–Sugiura method. • The method efficiently locates EPs in parameter space, validated by simulations.