We aim at providing a global perspective on electromagnetic nonreciprocity and clarifying confusions that arose in recent developments of the field. We provide a general definition of nonreciprocity and classify nonreciprocal systems according to their linear time-invariant (LTI), linear time-variant (LTV), or nonlinear natures. The theory of nonreciprocal systems is established on the foundation formed by the concepts of time reversal, time-reversal symmetry, time-reversal symmetry breaking, and related Onsager-Casimir relations. Special attention is given to LTI systems, the most-common nonreciprocal systems, for which a generalized form of the Lorentz reciprocity theorem is derived. The delicate issue of loss in nonreciprocal systems is demystified and the so-called thermodynamics paradox is resolved from energyconservation considerations. An overview of the fundamental characteristics and applications of LTI, LTV, and nonlinear nonreciprocal systems is given with the help of pedagogical examples. Finally, asymmetric structures with fallacious nonreciprocal appearances are debunked.

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Nonreciprocal electromagnetic devices play a crucial role in modern microwave and optical technologies. Conventional methods for realizing such systems are incompatible with integrated circuits. With recent advances in integrated photonics, the need for efficient on-chip magnetless nonreciprocal devices has become more pressing than ever. This paper leverages space-time engineered asymmetric photonic bandgaps to generate optical isolation. It shows that a properly designed space-time modulated slab is highly reflective/transparent for opposite directions of propagation. The corresponding design is magnetless, accommodates low modulation frequencies, and can achieve very high isolation levels. An experimental proof of concept at microwave frequencies is provided.

We perform a comprehensive analysis of uniform-velocity bilayer spacetime crystals, combining concepts of conventional photonic crystallography and special relativity. Given that a spacetime crystal consists of a sequence of spacetime discontinuities, we do this by solving the following sequence of problems: 1) the spacetime interface, 2) the double spacetime interface, or spacetime slab, 3) the unbounded crystal, and 4) the truncated crystal. For these problems, we present the following respective new results: 1) an extension of the Stokes principle to spacetime interfaces, 2) an interference-based analysis of the interference phenomenology, 3) a quick linear approximation of the dispersion diagrams, a description of simultaneous wavenumber and frequency bandgaps, and 4) the explanation of the effects of different types of spacetime crystal truncations, and the corresponding scattering coefficients. This work may constitute the foundation for a virtually unlimited number of novel canonical spacetime media and metamaterial problems.