Advances in symmetry and topological classification of non-Hermitian systems

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  • School of Physics and Optoelectronics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641 , China 

Received date: 2025-01-06

  Revised date: 2025-03-06

  Accepted date: 2025-04-21

  Online published: 2025-10-20

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed groundbreaking developments in non-Hermitian systems, which transcend the framework of Hermitian operators in conventional quantum mechanics to reveal new physical laws inherent in complex eigenvalues and non-Hermitian symmetries. Unlike Hermitian systems, non-Hermitian systems achieve unified description of dynamical evolution through the real-imaginary dual structure of complex eigenvalues, manifesting unique phenomena including exceptional points, non-orthogonal eigenstates, and the non-Hermitian skin effect (NHSE). These distinctive properties originate from the non-Hermitian nature of their Hamiltonians, such as pseudo-Hermiticity constraining real spectra, the separation of algebraic-geometric multiplicities in Jordan block structures, and the generalized Brillouin zone theory reconstructing bulk-boundary correspondence. Prototypical models like the HatanoNelson model and non-Hermitian Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model demonstrate nonreciprocal hopping and topological responses in complex energy spectra, providing paradigmatic platforms for understanding NHSE and energy band singularities. In symmetry and topological classification, non-Hermitian systems extend the traditional Altland-Zirnbauer tenfold classification to the 38-fold Bernard-LeClair symmetry classes, encompassing pseudo-Hermiticity, chiral symmetry, and combined conjugation-transposition operations. Topological classification progresses through dual approaches: K-theory mapping to Hermitian frameworks and homotopy theory analyzing deformation characteristics of complex band manifolds. Future challenges involve developing universal theories for high-dimensional systems, elucidating crystalline symmetry impacts on classification, and implementing experimental platforms, ultimately advancing applications in open quantum systems, nonequilibrium physics, and novel device engineering.

Cite this article

LI Guanliang, ZHAO Yujun . Advances in symmetry and topological classification of non-Hermitian systems[J]. Progress in Physics, 2025 , 45(5) : 209 -222 . DOI: 10.13725/j.cnki.pip.2025.05.001

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