A Kerr cell is positioned between two crossed Nicol prisms so that the direction of electric field E in the capacitor forms an angle of 45 ° with the principal directions of the prisms. The capacitor has the length l = 10 cm and is filled up with nitrobenzene. Light of wavelength λ = 0.50μm passes through the system. Taking into account that in this case the Kerr constant is equal to B = 2.2.10 –10 cm/V2, find:
(a) The minimum strength of electric field E in the capacitor at which the intensity of light that passes through this system is independent of rotation of the rear prism;
(b) How many times per second light will be interrupted when a sinusoidal voltage of frequency v = 10 MHz and strength amplitude Em = 50 kV/cm is applied to the capacitor.
Note. The Kerr constant is the coefficient B in the equation ne – no: BλE2.