Non-Hermitian model for asymmetric tunneling

Abstract

We present a simple non-Hermitian model to describe the phenomenon of asymmetric tunneling between two energy-degenerate sites coupled by a non-reciprocal interaction without dissipation. The system was described using a biorthogonal family of energy eigenvectors, the dynamics of the system was determined by the Schrödinger equation, and unitarity was effectively restored by proper normalization of the state vectors. The results show that the tunneling rates are indeed asymmetrical in this model, leading to an equilibrium that displays unequal occupation of the degenerate systems even in the absence of external interactions.