Theory of Remaining Exceptional Points from Nongeneric Splitting in Non-Hermitian Systems

Abstract: In non-Hermitian physics, high-order exceptional points(HOEPs) with eigenvalues and eigenvectors coalesce are known for their enhanced sensitivity to perturbations. Typically, they exhibit eigenvalue splitting that scales as ε^1/n, which is referred to as the generic response. However, under certain conditions, a nongeneric response of HOEPs occurs where the splitting follows a lower order ε^1/m (m<n). A nongeneric response of HOEPs with a lower order splitting lead to the remaining EPs. While the presence of these remaining EPs is acknowledged, a thorough elucidation of their fundamental properties has yet to be achieved. In this work, we demonstrate those unsplit eigenvalue points must constitute remaining EPs in a perturbed n-orders HOEPs system. Combining graph theory and topological analysis, the number and splitting order of the remaining EPs is studied. This framework not only resolves a fundamental challenge in HOEPs but also paves the way for exploiting remaining EPs in applications such as anisotropic sensing and the design of Dirac exceptional points.