Apparent PT-symmetric terahertz photoconductivity in the topological phase of Hg1−xCdxTe-based structures

Abstract

Abstract We show that the terahertz (THz) photoconductivity in the topological phase of Hg 1– x Cd x Te-based structures exhibits the apparent PT - (parity-time) symmetry whereas the P -symmetry and the T -symmetry, separately, are not conserved. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the P - and T -symmetry breaking may not be related to any type of the sample anisotropy. This result contradicts the apparent symmetry arguments and means that there exists an external factor that interacts with the sample electronic system and breaks the symmetry. We show that deviations from the ideal experimental geometry may not be such a factor.