Exceptional points in oligomer chains

Abstract Symmetry underpins our understanding of physical law. Open systems, those in contact with their environment, can provide a platform to explore parity-time symmetry. While classical symmetric systems have received lot attention, especially because the associated advances generation and control light, there is much more be discovered about quantum counterparts. Here we theory which describes non-Hermitian physics chains coupled modes, has applications across optics photonics. We elucidate origin exceptional points govern symmetry, survey signatures transport, study influence for correlations, account long-range interactions. also find how locations evolve as function chain length parity, capturing an arbitrary oligomer transitions from its unbroken broken phase. Our general results perspectives experimental detection phases one-dimensional arrays objects, consequences light transport degree coherence.