Perfect transmission scattering as a PTPT-symmetric spectral problem

We establish that a perfect-transmission scattering problem can be described by a class of parity and time reversal symmetric operators and hereby we provide a scenario for understanding and implementing the corresponding quasi-Hermitian quantum mechanical framework from the physical viewpoint. One of the most interesting features of the analysis is that the complex eigenvalues of the underlying non-Hermitian problem, associated with a reflectionless scattering system, lead to the loss of perfect-transmission energies as the parameters characterizing the scattering potential are varied. On the other hand, the scattering data can serve to describe the spectrum of a large class of Schrödinger operators with complex Robin boundary conditions.

► We propose a simple interpretation of a class of PT-symmetric Hamiltonians. ► The broken PT-symmetry is associated with the loss of perfect-transmission energies. ► The inverse problem is explored.