Electro–optic effect

Changes in optical properties from applied electric fields

An electro–optic effect is a change in the optical properties of a material in response to an electric field that varies slowly compared with the frequency of light. The term encompasses a number of distinct phenomena, which can be subdivided intoa) change of the absorption Electroabsorption: general change of the absorption constants Franz–Keldysh effect: change in the absorption shown in some bulk semiconductors Quantum-confined Stark effect: change in the absorption in some semiconductor quantum wells Electrochromic effect: creation of an absorption band at some wavelengths, which gives rise to a change in colour b) change of the refractive index and permittivity Pockels effect : change in the refractive index linearly proportional to the electric field. Only certain crystalline solids show the Pockels effect, as it requires lack of inversion symmetry Kerr effect : change in the refractive index proportional to the square of the electric field. All materials display the Kerr effect, with varying magnitudes, but it is generally much weaker than the Pockels effect electro-gyration: change in the optical activity. Electron-refractive effect or EIPM

This keyword could refer to multiple things. Here are some suggestions: