We investigate the properties of PT-symmetric tight-binding models by considering both bounded and unbounded models. For the bounded case, we obtain closed form expressions for the corresponding energy spectra and we analyze the structure of eigensta
tes as well as their dependence on the gain/loss contrast parameter. For unbounded PT-lattices, we explore their scattering properties through the development of analytical models. Based on our approach we identify a mechanism that is responsible to the emergence of localized states that are entirely due to the presence of gain and loss. The derived expressions for the transmission and reflection coefficients allow one to better understand the role of PT-symmetry in energy transport problems occurring in such PT-symmetric tight-binding settings. Our analytical results are further exemplified via pertinent examples.
We have developed an approach allowing us to resolve the problem of non-conventional Anderson localization emerging in bilayered periodic-on-average structures with alternating layers of right-handed and left-handed materials. Recently, it was numeri
cally discovered that in such structures with weak fluctuations of refraction indices, the localization length $L_{loc}$ can be enormously large for small wave frequencies $omega$. Within the fourth order of perturbation theory in disorder, $sigma^2 ll 1$, we derive the expression for $L_{loc}$ valid for any $omega$. In the limit $omega rightarrow 0$ one gets a quite specific dependence, $L^{-1}_{loc} propto sigma ^4 omega^8$. Our approach allows one to establish the conditions under which this effect can be observed.
