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

Example Sentences

This accumulation can be detected by taking advantage of the magneto-optic Kerr effect, in which the polarization, or orientation of the light, changes when it reflects from the surface of a magnet.

From Science Daily

Last but not least, the researchers used a series of optical techniques, including Raman spectroscopy and magneto-optical Kerr effect measurement, to show that the formation of the spin quadrupole moments occurs at higher temperatures than the magnetic order.

From Science Daily

“This is very interesting research, but there will be challenges applying this approach in the real world,” said Alan Huang, a former researcher at Bell Labs who has worked extensively with the “Kerr Effect,” a physical phenomenon that distorts optical signals, which the San Diego researchers are trying to overcome.

From New York Times