Non-Hermitian quantum systems exhibit fascinating characteristics such as non-Hermitian topological phenomena and skin effects, yet their studies are limited by the intrinsic difficulties associated with their eigenvalue problems, especially in larger systems and higher dimensions. In Hermitian systems, the semiclassical theory has played an active role in analyzing spectrum, eigenstate, phase, transport properties, etc. Here we establish a complex semiclassical theory applicable to non-Hermitian quantum systems by an analytical continuation of the physical variables such as momentum, position, time, and energy in the equations of motion and quantization condition to the complex domain. Further, we propose a closed-orbit scheme and physical meaning under such complex variables. We demonstrate that such a framework straightforwardly yields complex energy spectra and quantum states, topological phases and transitions, and even the skin effect in non-Hermitian quantum systems, presenting an unprecedented perspective toward nontrivial non-Hermitian physics, even with larger systems and higher dimensions.

• Received 17 April 2023
• Revised 14 December 2023
• Accepted 14 December 2023

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.109.045110