Repulsion of resonance states and exceptional points

Abstract

Level repulsion is associated with exceptional points which are square root singularities of the energies as functions of a (complex) interaction parameter. This is also valid for resonance state energies. Using this concept it is argued that level anticrossing (crossing) must imply crossing (anticrossing) of the corresponding widths of the resonance states. Further, it is shown that an encircling of an exceptional point induces a phase change of one wave function but not of the other. An experimental setup is discussed where this phase behavior, which differs from the one encountered at a diabolic point, can be observed.