FARADAY ROTATION AND RESIDUAL BIREFRINGENCE

Abstract

The Faraday rotation in an isotropic sUbstance is known to be vitiated by the presence of accidental birefringence which is very common in many cubic crystals, grown either from solution or from melt. A simple method of eliminating the errors due to the birefringence is discussed here. It is shown that the actual value of the rotation could be accurately evaluated from the measured values of the apparent rotation.This method is exemplified in the case of MgO and Pb (N03 ), crystals and is found to give most satisfactory results. This method now permits the extension of magneto-optic measurements to a large number of crystals that have a habit of exhibiting residual birefringence.