The Electro-Optical Kerr Effect of Optically Active Liquids

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Abstract
The electro-optical Kerr effect of optically active liquids has been studied theoretically, applying the lamellar model of Jones, and experimentally, by measurement of the solution Kerr constant B12 of a series of solutions of d-and dl-camphor in carbon tetrachloride. Equations are presented which allow the intrinsic phase retardation, δ, associated with the Kerr effect to be determined using the Sénarmont method in conjunction with either dc or pulsed electric fields. The method of determining δ, using pulsed electric fields is particularly useful for solutions having an appreciable electrical conductivity. The time-dependent behaviour of a relaxing system, measured using quadratic detection of the optical transient resulting from the application of a pulsed rectangular electric field, is predicted to be essentially unaffected by optical activity over a wide range of δ and optical rotation.

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