Geometric classification of non-Hermitian topological systems through the singularity ring

This work unveils how geometric features of two-band non-Hermitian Hamiltonians can completely classify the topology of their eigenstates and energy manifolds. Our approach generalizes the Bloch sphere visualization of Hermitian systems to a ``Bloch torus'' picture for non-Hermitian systems, where a singularity ring (SR) captures the degeneracy structure of generic exceptional points. The SR picture affords convenient visualization of various symmetry constraints and reduces their topological characterization to the classification of simple intersection or winding behavior, as detailed by our explicit study of chiral, sublattice, particle-hole and conjugated particle-hole symmetries. In 1D, the winding number about the SR corresponds to the band vorticity measurable through the Berry phase. In 2D, more complicated winding behavior leads to a variety of phases that illustrate the richness of the interplay between SR topology and geometry beyond mere Chern number classification. Through a normalization procedure that puts generic 2-band non-Hermitian Hamiltonians on equal footing, our SR approach also allows for vivid visualization of the non-Hermitian skin effect.Comment: 17 pages, 15 figures, Comments are welcom

A Simple Three-Parameter Model Potential For Diatomic Systems: From Weakly and Strongly Bound Molecules to Metastable Molecular Ions

Based on a simplest molecular orbital theory of H$_{2}^{+}$, a three-parameter model potential function is proposed to describe ground-state diatomic systems with closed-shell and/or S-type valence-shell constituents over a significantly wide range of internuclear distances. More than 200 weakly and strongly bound diatomics have been studied, including neutral and singly-charged diatomics (e.g., H$_{2}$, Li$_{2}$, LiH, Cd$_{2}$, Na$_{2}^{+}$, and RbH$^{-}$), long-range bound diatomics (e.g., NaAr, CdNe, He$_{2}$, CaHe, SrHe, and BaHe), metastable molecular dications (e.g., BeH$^{++}$, AlH$^{++}$, Mg$_{2}^{++}$, and LiBa$^{++}$), and molecular trications (e.g., YHe$^{+++}$ and ScHe$^{+++}$).Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, accepted by Physical Review Letter