A general theory of sensors based on the detection of splittings of resonant frequencies or energy levels operating at so-called exceptional points is presented. Exploiting the complex-square-root topology near such non-Hermitian degeneracies has a great potential for enhanced sensitivity. Passive and active systems are discussed. The theory is specified for whispering-gallery microcavity sensors for particle detection. As example, a microdisk with two holes is studied numerically. The theory and numerical simulations demonstrate a sevenfold enhancement of the sensitivity.

• Received 8 January 2016

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.93.033809