electro-optic phenomenon

Electro-optic phenomena describe how a material's refractive index can be altered by an external electric field. This change can be very small, known as the Kerr effect, or more significant, called the Pockels effect, depending on the material's crystal structure.1

These effects are crucial because a changing refractive index can modulate light, allowing it to carry information. Devices like the Kerr cell utilize this principle to rapidly interrupt light beams, finding applications in high-speed photography and laser studies. Electro-optical materials are used in various electronic devices for light modulation and sensing.123