Measurement of the AC Kerr effect in conducting liquids

Abstract
A method of using a two-channel signal averager to obtain simultaneously the AC electric birefringence signals from two Kerr cells mounted in series is described. When one of the cells contains a standard sample this method enables the relative birefringence of the liquid in the second cell to be determined even when turbulence, such as is produced by Joule heating, in the second cell is causing the intensity of the transmitted light to fluctuate. The use of the signal averager together with a linear method of detection enables signals to be obtained from water with field strengths as low as 5*104 V m-1. Results of measurements of p-xylene, toluene, chloroform and water are given.

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