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Non-Hermitian topological superconductivity with symmetry-enriched spectral and eigenstate features

Chuo-Kai Chang1,2, Kazuma Saito1,3, Nobuyuki Okuma4, Hsien-Chung Kao2, and Chen-Hsuan Hsu1,5

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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 013167 – Published 17 February, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/v5k2-1vj9

Abstract

We investigate a one-dimensional superconducting lattice that realizes all internal symmetries permitted in non-Hermitian systems, characterized by nonreciprocal hopping, on-site dissipation, and s-wave singlet pairing in a Su-Schrieffer-Heeger-type structure. The combined presence of pseudo-Hermiticity and sublattice symmetry imposes constraints on the energy spectra. We identify parameter regimes featuring real spectra, purely imaginary spectra, complex flat bands, and Majorana zero modes, the latter emerging when a uniform transverse magnetic field suppresses the non-Hermitian skin effect. We show that a uniform component of the on-site dissipation is essential for stabilizing the zero modes, whereas a purely staggered dissipation destroys the topological superconductivity. Through Hermitianization, we construct a spectral winding number as a topological invariant and demonstrate its correspondence with the gap-closing conditions and appearance of the Majorana zero modes, allowing us to establish topological phase diagrams. Moreover, we reveal nontrivial correlations between the particle-hole and spin components of left and right eigenstates, enforced by chiral symmetry, pseudo-Hermiticity, and their combination. Our results highlight how non-Hermiticity, sublattice structure, and superconductivity together enrich symmetry properties and give rise to interesting topological phenomena.

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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 013167– Published 17 February, 2026
  • Received 2 October 2025
  • Accepted 14 January 2026
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