  1D chains with non-reciprocal tunneling realizing the non-Hermitian skin
effect (NHSE) have attracted considerable interest in the last years whereas
their experimental realization in real space remains limited to a few examples.
In this work, we propose a new generic way of implementing non-reciprocity
based on a combination of the Rashba-Dresshlauss spin-orbit coupling, existing
for electrons, cold atoms, and photons, and a lifetime imbalance between two
spin components. We show that one can realize the Hatano-Nelson model, the
non-Hermitian Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model, and even observe the NHSE in a 1D
potential well without the need for a lattice. We further demonstrate the
practical feasibility of this proposal by considering the specific example of a
photonic liquid crystal microcavity. This platform allows one to switch on and
off the NHSE by applying an external voltage to the microcavity.
