The Electro-Optical Kerr Effect in Ammonia, Nitrogen and Oxygen

Absolute values for the Kerr constant in anhydrous ammonia, nitrogen and oxygen have been determind. Measurements in N${\mathrm{H}}_3$ were made at wavelengths of 6500A and 5750A, pressures from 13 to 30 atmospheres, and temperatures from 40° to 80°C. In ${\mathrm{N}}_2$ and ${\mathrm{O}}_2$ the wavelength used was 6500A, pressures in the neighborhood of 100 atmospheres and temperatures from 20° to 65°C. The absolute value for the Kerr constant reduced to N. P. T. and 6500A is for N${\mathrm{H}}_3$ (62.3±1.8)${10}^{-12\mathrm{}}$, for ${\mathrm{N}}_2$ (4.64±0.10)${10}^{-12\mathrm{}}$ and ${\mathrm{O}}_2$ (6.94±0.30)${10}^{-12\mathrm{}}$.