Fast wave transport in two-dimensional $${{\mathcal{P}}}{{\mathcal{T}}}$$-symmetric lattices

We present a theoretical investigation of wave dynamics in two-dimensional non-Hermitian $${{\mathcal{P}}}{{\mathcal{T}}}$$ -symmetric lattices, where onsite, as well as inter-site control couplings are employed. Our analysis shows that these couplings can be tuned to achieve a direction-sensitive group velocity enhancement beyond what is possible in the uncontrolled (Hermitian) counterpart, while ensuring that the wave packet evolution remains bounded and dynamically stable. We derive a dedicated relation between the control parameters, providing a systematic condition under which stability is guaranteed. We then study the topological properties of the non-Hermitian system at hand and use an experimental-ready topoelecric metamaterial platform to demonstrate the non-Hermitian couplings realization and the resulting wave dynamics. This framework paves the way to designing stable and fast wave transport in planar non-Hermitian media.