Unidirectional zero reflection as gauged parity-time symmetry

Abstract

We introduce here the concept of establishing parity-time (PT)-symmetry through a gauge transformation involving a shift of the mirror plane for the parity operation. The corresponding unitary transformation on the system's constitutive matrix allows us to generate and explore a family of equivalent PT-symmetric systems. We further derive that unidirectional zero reflection for a reciprocal two-port system can always be associated with a passively gauged PT-symmetry. We demonstrate this experimentally using a microstrip transmission-line with magnetoelectric coupling. This study allows us to use bianisotropy as a practical route to realise and explore exceptional point behaviour of PT-symmetric or generally non-Hermitian systems.