Kerr effect


noun Physics.

the double refraction of light in certain substances, produced by an electric field.

Origin of Kerr effect

1905–10; named after John Kerr (1824–1907), Scottish physicist

British Dictionary definitions for kerr effect

Kerr effect

noun

Also called: electro-optical effect the production of double refraction in certain transparent substances by the application of a strong electric field
Also called: magneto-optical effect a slight elliptical polarization of plane polarized light when reflected from one of the poles of a strong magnet

Word Origin for Kerr effect

C19: named after John Kerr (1824–1907), Scottish physicist