schematic chiral light (IMAGE) Penn State Caption The chiral system behaves differently depending on which direction light enters. When light enters clockwise (right), some is absorbed, the rest continues to the mirror. It reflects toward its original direction, reentering the resonator, coupling over the clockwise input, and creating the ripple-like field distribution called a standing wave pattern. The absorption lineshape then appears as squared Lorentzian (flat top). When light enters the resonator counterclockwise (left), some light is absorbed, but most exits the system. Since it does not reenter the resonator, only counterclockwise light propagates, resulting in a traveling wave. The measured absorption exhibits a Lorentzian lineshape. Credit SOLYEMANI AND ŞAHIN ÖZDEMIR/PENN STATE Usage Restrictions non commerciall use only License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.