Breaking reciprocity for optical radiation, scattering and absorption

Authors: Yakir Hadad, and Andrea Alù

Source: FERMAT, Volume 20, Article 4, Mar.-Apr., 2017


Abstract: Radiation and scattering phenomena are ubiquitous in optics, yet they are fundamentally limited by time-reversal symmetry and Lorentz reciprocity. Radio- and nano-antennas are forced to transmit and receive with the same efficiency to/from the same direction. Thermophotovoltaic systems are bound to emit towards the source as well as they absorb from it, limiting their overall efficiency. In recent times, we have worked on breaking these fundamental limitations using time modulation. In this work, we briefly review our work in this area, with a special focus on open systems. For supplementary information on this paper, please follow: http://www.e-fermat.org/communication/hadad-comm-lapc2015-2017-vol21-may-jun-008

Index Terms: Reciprocity, Metasurfaces, Spatio-temporal modulation.


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Breaking reciprocity for optical radiation, scattering and absorption