Anderson localization transition in a robust $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric phase of a generalized Aubry-Andre model

Sebastian Schiffer, Xia-Ji Liu, Hui Hu, Jia Wang

Published 2020-10-19Version 1

We study a generalized Aubry-Andre model that obeys $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetry. We observe a robust $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric phase with respect to system size and disorder strength, where all eigenvalues are real despite the Hamiltonian being non-unitary. This robust $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric phase can support an Anderson localization transition, giving a rich phase diagram as a result of the interplay between disorder and $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetry. Our model provides a perfect platform to study disorder-driven localization phenomena in a $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric system.