Quantum field theory of optical birefringence phenomena. I. Linear and nonlinear optical rotation

Atkins, P.W. and Barron, L.D. (1968) Quantum field theory of optical birefringence phenomena. I. Linear and nonlinear optical rotation. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Series A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 304(1478), pp. 303-317. (doi: 10.1098/rspa.1968.0088)

Abstract

A general approach to the discussion of optical birefringence phenomena is presented. It is based on the S-matrix approach to photon scattering in a nonrelativistic quantum field theoretical formalism and the Stokes operator description of polarization. The use of a canonically transformed interaction Hamiltonian in combination with diagrammatic perturbation theory enables the response of a system to electromagnetic radiation to be calculated in a straightforward and consistent manner to any order in the perturbation, and the effect of static fields is included easily. As an illustration, the angle of rotation of a beam of planepolarized light by a solution of optically active molecules is calculated and the intensity dependence of the angle determined. The latter phenomenon should become apparent at high photon flux densities particularly when $\omega$, the frequency of the incident light, or 2$\omega$ are similar to electronic excitation frequencies in the optically active molecules.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Barron, Professor Laurence
• Authors: Atkins, P.W., and Barron, L.D.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Journal Name: Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Series A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences
• Publisher: The Royal Society
• ISSN: 1364-5021
• ISSN (Online): 1471-2946