Within the framework of non-Hermitian photonics, we investigate the spectral and dynamical properties of finite-sized one- and two-dimensional non-Hermitian off-diagonal disordered optical lattices, where randomness is applied to the intersite couplings rather than to the on-site potential terms. We analyze the eigenvalue distributions and the localization properties of the corresponding eigenmodes, and directly compare them with those of their Hermitian counterparts. In one dimension, we show that near-band-center non-Hermitian eigenmodes develop a sublattice-selective odd-even intensity imbalance. Furthermore, we study transport under single-channel excitation and identify unconventional phenomena such as jumps between distant lattice regions in systems with a purely real spectrum, as well as complex-spectrum–induced Anderson jumps, reported here for the first time in two dimensions. Our results establish a reference framework for non-Hermitian off-diagonal disorder and open new directions for future studies of localization phenomena. The reported effects can be experimentally observed in readily available optical platforms, such as synthetic-dimension mesh lattices.

Close

PrevNext

View figure in article

• Anderson localization
• Disordered systems
• Non-Hermitian systems
• Random & disordered media
• Waveguide arrays