Magneto-Optical Activity of Crystalline Nickel Sulfate,α-Hexahydrate

The dispersion of the Verdet constant of crystalline nickel sulfate, $\alpha$-hexahydrate, has been measured through the visible spectrum. Temperature effect has also been investigated over a narrow range of temperatures. All measurements are made with the light path parallel to the optic axis of the crystal. The magnetic rotatory dispersion curve may be fitted by a single term electronic dispersion equation as suggested by Drude. Calculation on this basis indicates an active absorption band at 964A. The Verdet constant is found to be inversely proportional to the absolute temperature, throughout the range measured. The Verdet constant for the sodium D line is 0.0221 min./oersted-cm.