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Non-reciprocal linearly polarized light in simple media
Thomas J Ugras1,2, Daniel J Gracias3, Reilly P Lynch3
1School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
Nature Materials
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Researchers demonstrate non-reciprocal absorption and emission of light in conventional materials. This breakthrough, using chiral-linear optical interference, opens new avenues in polarization-based quantum optics and photonics.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Physics
Background:
- Reciprocity, where forward and backward responses are identical, is a core physics principle.
- Non-reciprocity breaks this symmetry, leading to direction-dependent optical behavior.
- Conventional methods for optical non-reciprocity often involve complex metamaterials or strong fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To predict and demonstrate a pathway to optical non-reciprocity in conventional materials.
- To explore non-reciprocal absorption and emission of orthogonal linear polarizations.
- To identify design rules and applications for non-reciprocal optical phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Stokes-Mueller formalism to predict non-reciprocal phenomena.
- Employed solution-processed films of Cadmium Sulfide (CdS), Cadmium Selenide (CdSe), and Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) magic-size clusters.
- Investigated materials with comparable circular and linear dichroism.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated non-reciprocal absorption and emission of linearly polarized light.
- Confirmed the feasibility of achieving non-reciprocity in readily processable materials.
- Identified chiral-linear optical interference as a key mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Non-reciprocal linear dichroism and emission can be achieved in conventional, easily processed materials.
- Harnessing chiral-linear optical interference offers a novel route to non-reciprocity.
- This work presents opportunities for polarization-based quantum optics and photonics, including optical routing and encryption.
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