Faraday rotation - why does the perpendicular B component not contribute?

Thread starter siegeonager
Start date Nov 14, 2010
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Component Faraday Perpendicular Rotation

In summary, Faraday rotation is a phenomenon where polarized light passing through a medium in the presence of a magnetic field causes the plane of polarization to rotate. The strength of the magnetic field and distance traveled affect the amount of rotation. The perpendicular B component does not contribute to Faraday rotation as it does not directly interact with the electrons in the medium. Faraday rotation cannot occur in a vacuum as it requires a medium for the magnetic field to interact with. The amount of rotation is affected by the strength of the magnetic field, distance traveled, and properties of the medium. It is used in various scientific fields, including astronomy and telecommunications, to study magnetic fields and manipulate light signals.

Nov 14, 2010

siegeonager

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Last edited: Nov 15, 2010

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Nov 15, 2010

DrDu

Science Advisor

A transversal magnetic field can have an effect on the propagation of radiation in a material, however, this effect is an induced linear birefringence rather than circular birefringence.

1. What is Faraday rotation?

Faraday rotation is a phenomenon observed when polarized light passes through a medium in the presence of a magnetic field. It causes the plane of polarization of the light to rotate, and the amount of rotation is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field and the distance traveled through the medium.

2. Why does the perpendicular B component not contribute to Faraday rotation?

This is because Faraday rotation is caused by the interaction between the magnetic field and the electrons in the medium. The perpendicular component of the magnetic field does not have a direct effect on the electrons, so it does not contribute to the rotation of the light's polarization plane.

3. Can Faraday rotation occur in a vacuum?

No, Faraday rotation requires the presence of a medium for the light to pass through. In a vacuum, there is no medium for the magnetic field to interact with, thus no Faraday rotation can occur.

4. What factors affect the amount of Faraday rotation?

The amount of Faraday rotation is affected by the strength of the magnetic field, the distance traveled by the light through the medium, and the properties of the medium itself, such as its density and the number of free electrons present.

5. How is Faraday rotation used in scientific research?

Faraday rotation is used in a variety of scientific fields, including astronomy, geophysics, and materials science. It is particularly useful in studying magnetic fields and their effects on different materials, and can also be used in telecommunications to manipulate the polarization of light signals.