Non-Hermitian topological Euler insulators

Abstract

Topological Euler insulators emerge in multiband systems with real Bloch Hamiltonians and wavefunctions. Their fragile topologies are characterized by the Euler class of degenerate bands and protected by the $PT$ or $C_2T$ symmetry in two dimensions, which go beyond the tenfold $K$-theory classification of topological matter. In this work, we extend the conception of topological Euler insulators to non-Hermitian systems and propose a theoretical framework to unlock their nontrivial Euler topology. Focusing on two-dimensional, three-band non-Hermitian lattice models with symmetric Hamiltonians, we formulate a comprehensive description of their topological Euler bands, entanglement spectrum and bulk-boundary correspondence. Three typical models of non-Hermitian Euler insulators are constructed and investigated explicitly to illustrate our theory. Unique topological phase transitions and anomalous edge-band overlaps with non-Hermitian origins are further identified. Our study establishes the presence of topological Euler bands in non-Hermitian systems and unveils their intriguing physical characteristics, thereby broadening the existing territory of topological matter in non-Hermitian open systems.