Pseudo Parity-Time Symmetry in Optical Systems

Abstract

We introduce a novel concept of the {\em pseudo} parity-time ($\mathcal{PT}$) symmetry in periodically modulated optical systems with balanced gain and loss. We demonstrate that whether the original system is $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric or not, we can manipulate the property of the $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry by applying a periodic modulation in such a way that the effective system derived by the high-frequency Floquet method is $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetric. If the original system is non-$\mathcal{PT}$ symmetric, the $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry in the effective system will lead to quasi-stationary propagation that can be associated with the \emph{pseudo $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry}. Our results provide a promising approach for manipulating the $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry of realistic systems.

accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters, including supplementary materials