Hidden Time-Reversal Symmetry in Dissipative Reciprocal Systems

Abstract: It is proven, without using the microscopic reversibility argument of Onsager, that lossy reciprocal systems have a hidden time-reversal symmetry. The key idea is that the dissipation channels of lossy dielectrics can be mimicked by a distributed network of lossless transmission lines. It is highlighted that the reciprocity of lossy dielectrics is fundamentally rooted on the hidden time-reversal invariance and on linearity of the materials. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the upper-half plane response of dissipative materials can be approximated as much as desired by the response of some lossless material.