Effect of a nonlinear refractive index on Faraday rotation

Abstract

A theory for the nonlinear (with respect to the electric field) Faraday effect has been developed and applied to a simple model. Within the framework of this model, our analysis shows that the ratio of the nonlinear Verdet constant to the linear Uerdet constant is proportional to the intensity of the incident light and depends on the frequency of light, the excitation energy of the model molecule, and the temperature of the medium. This ratio is small under ordinary conditions. However, under certain circumstances it may become large enough for experimental observation.