Unidirectional exceptional point of reflectionless states in a magnonic mirror array

Exceptional points (EPs) in non-Hermitian systems are singularities where both eigenvalues and eigenvectors coalesce. In scattering systems, EPs correspond to the merging of scattering states, leading to reflectionless (RL) behavior. A reflectionless exceptional point (RL EP) arises when two RL states further coalesce, yielding an anomalous quartic spectral response. While RL EPs have been explored in bidirectional systems, their unidirectional realization remains elusive. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a unidirectional RL EP by engineering collective states in an anti-Bragg magnonic mirror array. Inversion symmetry is broken using a giant spin ensemble that couples to a waveguide at three spatially separated points, enabling unidirectional RL. At the RL EP, the reflection spectrum flattens and broadens substantially beyond the Lorentzian profile. The observed spectral valleys also expose dark state behaviors that are typically inaccessible through conventional measurements. Our results provide a route toward controlling collective coherence in open systems and developing broadband unidirectional devices.

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Publication Details

Journal
Science Advances
Published
2026-03-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aea6000
Primary Topic
Quantum Mechanics and Non-Hermitian Physics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Unidirectional exceptional point of reflectionless states in a magnonic mirror array

Yi-Pu Wang, Zheng Wang, Yuan-Peng Peng, J. Q. You
Science Advances
Quantum Mechanics and Non-Hermitian Physics
article

Unidirectional exceptional point of reflectionless states in a magnonic mirror array

Yi-Pu Wang, Zheng Wang, Yuan-Peng Peng, J. Q. You
article en

Abstract

Exceptional points (EPs) in non-Hermitian systems are singularities where both eigenvalues and eigenvectors coalesce. In scattering systems, EPs correspond to the merging of scattering states, leading to reflectionless (RL) behavior. A reflectionless exceptional point (RL EP) arises when two RL states further coalesce, yielding an anomalous quartic spectral response. While RL EPs have been explored in bidirectional systems, their unidirectional realization remains elusive. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a unidirectional RL EP by engineering collective states in an anti-Bragg magnonic mirror array. Inversion symmetry is broken using a giant spin ensemble that couples to a waveguide at three spatially separated points, enabling unidirectional RL. At the RL EP, the reflection spectrum flattens and broadens substantially beyond the Lorentzian profile. The observed spectral valleys also expose dark state behaviors that are typically inaccessible through conventional measurements. Our results provide a route toward controlling collective coherence in open systems and developing broadband unidirectional devices.

Science AdvancesVol. 12(10)
Zhejiang University (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, Science and Technology Program of Zhejiang Province
Openalex Percentile: Top 35%
Quantum Mechanics and Non-Hermitian Physics
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