Topological phases protected by shifted sublattice symmetry in dissipative quantum systems

Abstract

Dissipative dynamics of quantum systems can be classified topologically based on the correspondence between the Lindbladian in the Gorini-Kossakowski-Sudarshan-Lindblad (GKSL) equation and the non-Hermitian Hamiltonian in the Schrödinger equation. While general non-Hermitian Hamiltonians are classified into 38 symmetry classes, the previous work shows that the Lindbladians are classified into 10 symmetry classes due to physical constraints. In this work, however, we unveil a topological classification of Lindbladians based on sublattice symmetry (SLS), which is not previously considered and can increase the number of symmetry classes for the Lindbladians. We introduce shifted SLS so that the Lindbladian can retain this symmetry and take on the same role of SLS for the topological classification. For verification, we construct a model of the dissipative quantum system retaining shifted SLS and confirm the presence of edge states protected by shifted SLS. Moreover, the relationship between the presence of shifted SLS protected edge states and dynamics of an observable quantity is also discussed.