Anomalous localization in non-Hermitian sonic lattice with erratic skin modes

Controlling the sound field in non-Hermitian acoustic systems remains a fundamental challenge with implications for energy harvesting and sensing. In this work, we present the first comprehensive numerical simulation and characterization of the erratic non-Hermitian skin effect (ENHSE) in a disordered sonic lattice. Unlike the conventional non-Hermitian skin effect that confines waves to the boundaries, the ENHSE generates random, irregular wave localization patterns that can emerge anywhere in the system — either at edges or in the bulk. Our full-wave simulations reveal a significant correlation between localization patterns under periodic boundary conditions (PBC) and open boundary conditions (OBC): the positions of primary localization centers remain consistent, while a subset of sharp peaks observed under PBC transform into valleys under OBC, flanked by secondary peaks on both sides. Furthermore, we demonstrate that by tailoring coupling strengths to locally engineer the imaginary gauge field, precise control over the localized fields can be achieved. This novel approach of wave energy localization establishes a practical new paradigm for wave manipulation in non-Hermitian systems, with direct applications to acoustic sensing, energy harvesting, and reconfigurable metamaterials.