English

Non-Hermitian quantum geometric tensor and nonlinear electrical response

Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics 2026-03-24 v3 Quantum Physics

Abstract

We demonstrate that the non-Hermitian quantum geometric tensor (QGT) governs nonlinear electrical responses in systems with a spectral line gap. The quantum metric, which is the symmetric component of the QGT and takes complex values in non-Hermitian systems, generates an intrinsic nonlinear conductivity independent of the scattering time. In contrast, the full complex-valued QGT induces a distinct conductivity that depends explicitly on the wavepacket width. Using one- and two-dimensional non-Hermitian models, we establish a direct link between nonlinear dynamics and the QGT, thereby connecting quantum state geometry to observable transport phenomena. Crucially, we reveal that the finite wavepacket width fundamentally alters non-Hermitian transport -- a mechanism strictly absent in Hermitian systems. This framework elucidates non-Hermitian response theory by revealing how the complex geometry of quantum states, captured by the QGT, and the wavepacket width jointly encode transport in open and synthetic quantum matter.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2509.11765,
  title  = {Non-Hermitian quantum geometric tensor and nonlinear electrical response},
  author = {Kai Chen and Jie Zhu},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2509.11765},
  year   = {2026}
}
R2 v1 2026-07-01T05:36:34.416Z