Electric field induced faraday rotation in chromic oxide

An electrically induced Faraday rotation associated with the magneto-electric effect has been demonstrated using thin chromic oxide platelets. In the experimental arrangement used an alternating electric field was applied along the c axis of the crystal, coincident with the direction of propagation of a He—Ne laser beam. Changes in rotation of the polarized light were detected by a PIN photodiode, allowance being made for shot noise and thermal noise in the system. The observed rotation was of the order of 10−4 radians for a crystal 4 μm thick with 46 v applied between the faces.