Magnetoelectric birefringences of the quantum vacuum
Abstract
We calculate the optical properties of a vacuum when a static magnetic field B0 and electric field E0 are applied perpendicular to the direction of light propagation. Apart from the known Cotton-Mouton and Kerr effects, with crossed fields we find magnetoelectric linear birefringence with optical axes parallel to the external fields. With parallel fields we find magnetoelectric Jones birefringence with optical axes under 45° with the external fields. Both birefringences are linear in E0B0, and have the same magnitude.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review A
- Pub Date:
- December 2000
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevA.63.012107
- Bibcode:
- 2000PhRvA..63a2107R
- Keywords:
-
- 12.20.Ds;
- 42.25.Lc;
- Specific calculations;
- Birefringence