Kerr Effect

Objective

1. Measure the phase shift between the normal and the extraordinary light beam for different voltages applied to the PLZT-element for different electric field strengths. The half-wave voltage V (λ/2) is to be determined. 2. By plotting the square of the applied voltage versus the phase shift between ordinary and extraordinary beams, it is to be shown that the relation between the two quantities is approximately linear. From the slope of the straight line, the Kerr constant is to be calculated.

apparatus

Kerr Cell: Induces birefringence under an electric field.
PLZT Element: Electro-optic material for refractive index changes.
Voltage Supply Unit: Provides high voltage (0-1 kV).
Laser (He-Ne): Coherent light source for polarization analysis.
220V AC: Powers the setup.
Polarizing Filter: Analyzes polarization changes.
Digital Multimeter: Measures electrical parameters

circuit1 circuit2 circuit3 circuit5 circuit4 circuit6 circuit9 circuit10 circuit8 circuit12 circuit7 circuit11

Note:- PLZT element which is set to 45° with respect to incident light.

PLZT element which is set to 45° with respect to incident light.

Note:-Set the polariser and analyser to 0°and turn on the laser.

Note:-Set the voltage value to 0V

Note:-Set the analyser to 90° clockwise

Note:-Add observations to table by varying the voltage.

Added Successfully!

CALCULATIONS:

Voltage(V) Voltage2(V)2 Current(µA) I/I0 I/I0 in radians Δ/2 radians Δ/2 degree Δ degree

Copyright © SOLVE The Virtual Lab @ NITK Surathkal