electrooptically

Electrooptics refers to a class of optical phenomena that occur in materials when they are subjected to an external electric field. These phenomena involve the interaction of light with matter that is influenced by an electric field. The term itself is a combination of "electro" referring to electricity and "optics" referring to light.

One of the most significant electrooptic effects is the Pockels effect, where the refractive index of a material changes linearly with the applied electric field. Another important effect is the Kerr effect, where the refractive index change is quadratic with the electric field. These effects are utilized in various applications.

Devices that exploit electrooptic phenomena are known as electrooptic modulators. These devices can control the intensity, polarization, or phase of a light beam by altering the electric field applied to an electrooptic material. This control is essential for many modern technologies.

Applications of electrooptics are widespread. They are used in optical communication systems for modulating laser light, in optical switches for directing light signals, and in displays such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Electrooptic sensors can also be used to measure electric fields. The development of new electrooptic materials and devices continues to drive innovation in fields ranging from telecommunications to imaging and scientific instrumentation.