Linear Electro-Optic Effect in Gases

Abstract

The linear effect of an electrostatic field on the intensity of scattering of light by gas is reported. The change in the depolarized intensity scattered by gaseous methyl chloride in the $y$ direction from a beam of right circularly polarized light propagating in the $z$ direction due to electrostatic field $F_x=7\mathrm{}\times {10}^6$ V ${\mathrm{m}}^{-1\mathrm{}}$ is -7±1 ppm. It changes sign on reversing $F_x$, the direction of scattering, and the circularity of the light. The effect should be exhibited by all materials.