Non-reciprocal linearly polarized light in simple media.

Solution-processed films of CdS, CdSe, and CdTe magic-size clusters show non-reciprocal absorption and emission of orthogonal linearly polarized light, enabled by chiral-linear optical interference.

• Why it matters: Optical non-reciprocity usually needs complex metamaterials or strong fields, leaving a gap on whether conventional, readily made materials can exhibit direction-dependent polarization behavior.
• What they did: Using the Stokes-Mueller formalism, the authors predict non-reciprocal absorption and emission of orthogonal linear polarizations, then test it in CdS, CdSe, and CdTe magic-size cluster films with comparable circular and linear dichroism.
• The result: The experiments demonstrate non-reciprocal absorption and emission of linearly polarized light, supporting design rules and enabling polarization-based quantum optics and photonics applications like direction-dependent routing and polarization-multiplexed encryption.

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