magneto-optic effect


magneto-optic effect: Any one of a number of phenomena in which an electromagnetic wave interacts with a magnetic field, or with matter under the influence of a magnetic field. Note: The most important magneto-optic effect having application to optical communication is the Faraday effect, in which the plane of polarization is rotated under the influence of a magnetic field parallel to the direction of propagation. This effect may be used to modulate a lightwave.


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