This is related to the elasto-optic effect. Instead of a strain producing a change in the index of refraction, you have an electric field produce a change in the index of refraction.

The effect is 0 if there is a center of charge symmetry.

definition: tex2html_wrap90

with tex2html_wrap91

For tex2html_wrap92 , tex2html_wrap93

For tex2html_wrap94 , tex2html_wrap95

This means tex2html_wrap96 corresponds to tex2html_wrap97 . The effect can be used to open and shut lasers very quickly.


source psfile jl@crush.caltech.edu index