Refraction of light by graded birefringent media

Abstract

Refraction of light in the graded potential is considered in connection with the use of the Kerr effect to map divergent electric fields. It is shown that spatial variation of the strength or direction of the field will produce nonuniform refractive indices, and significant refraction of light in regions of high divergence may distort the final image and introduce an error in the field measurement. Experimental evidence for this effect is presented, and its implications for optical field mapping are discussed.<>