Time-dependent C-operators as Lewis-Riesenfeld invariants in non-Hermitian theories

Abstract: ${\cal C}$-operators were introduced as involution operators in non-Hermitian theories that commute with the time-independent Hamiltonians and the parity/time-reversal operator. Here we propose a definition for time-dependent ${\cal C}(t)$-operators and demonstrate that for a particular signature they may be expanded in terms of time-dependent biorthonormal left and right eigenvectors of Lewis-Riesenfeld invariants. The vanishing commutation relation between the ${\cal C}$-operator and the Hamiltonian in the time-independent case is replaced by the Lewis-Riesenfeld equation in the time-dependent scenario. Thus, ${\cal C}(t)$-operators are always Lewis-Riesenfeld invariants, whereas the inverse is only true in certain circumstances. We demonstrate the working of the generalities for a non-Hermitian two-level matrix Hamiltonian. We show that solutions for ${\cal C}(t)$ and the time-dependent metric operator may be found that hold in all three ${\cal PT}$-regimes, i.e., the ${\cal PT}$-regime, the spontaneously broken ${\cal PT}$-regime and at the exceptional point.