Versatile control of nonlinear topological states in non-Hermitian systems
The non-Hermitian skin effect (NHSE) and nonlinearity can both delocalize topological modes (TMs) from the interface. However, the NHSE requires precise parameter tuning, while the nonlinearity in Hermitian systems results in partial delocalization with limited mode capacity. To overcome these limitations, we propose a non-Hermitian nonlinear topological interface model that integrates Hermitian and non-Hermitian lattices with nonreciprocal hopping and nonlinearity. This system enables the complete delocalization of TMs across the entire lattice without fine-tuning, while allowing precise control over the wavefunction profile and spatial distribution through the intrinsic configuration and intensity of the nonlinearity. Using the spectral localizer, we demonstrate the topological protection and robustness of these extended non-Hermitian TMs against disorder. Furthermore, we show that under external pumping, localized excitations evolve into predefined profiles and generate long-range patterns, an effect unattainable in Hermitian systems. These findings reveal how the interplay of nonlinearity and NHSE shapes topological states, paving the way for compact topological devices. This works explores the interplay between nonlinearity and non-Hermitian skin effect in reshaping topological modes at the interface between Hermitian and non-Hermitian lattices. It is shown that this interplay yields fully delocalized and reconfigurable topological modes without fine parameter tuning, while facilitating stable long-range patterns through external pumping.
Authors
- Yu-Ran Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6893-2053)
- Franco Nori (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3682-7432)
- Zhao-Fan Cai
- Tao Liu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1826-8019)
- Yuchun Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2719-782X)
Institutions
- University of Michigan (US)
- RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics (JP)
- South China University of Technology (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Communications Physics
- Published
- 2025-08-29
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s42005-025-02286-9
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Quantum Mechanics and Non-Hermitian Physics
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.25
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province
- South China University of Technology
- Guangdong Provincial Pearl River Talents Program
- Japan Science and Technology Agency
- Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology
- Moonshot Research and Development Program