Kerr effect

noun

, Physics.

1. the double refraction of light in certain substances, produced by an electric field.

Kerr effect

noun

1. Also calledelectro-optical effect the production of double refraction in certain transparent substances by the application of a strong electric field
2. Also calledmagneto-optical effect a slight elliptical polarization of plane polarized light when reflected from one of the poles of a strong magnet

Word History and Origins

Origin of Kerr effect¹

1905–10; named after John Kerr (1824–1907), Scottish physicist

Word History and Origins

Origin of Kerr effect¹

C19: named after John Kerr (1824–1907), Scottish physicist