Observation of magnetoelectric directional anisotropy.
We report the first observation of a new optical phenomenon, magnetoelectric directional anisotropy (MEA). MEA is a polarization-independent anisotropy which occurs in crossed electric field E and magnetic field B perpendicular to the wave vector k of the light. It is described by a contribution to the refractive index of the form (delta)n=(gamma)k x E x B. Our experiment was performed on a Er(1.5)Y(1.5)Al(5)O(12) crystal, but MEA should exist in all media. The relation of this new effect with recently discovered magnetoelectric birefringence is discussed.
Rikken
G L J A
GL
Grenoble High Magnetic Field Laboratory, MPI-FKF/CNRS, 25 Avenue des Martyrs, F-38042 Grenoble, France.
Strohm
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C
Wyder
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