Pockels Effect in a Conoscopic Beam Path

The Pockels Effect in a Conoscopic Beam Path is designed to demonstrate the electro-optic Pockels effect using a lithium niobate crystal. The experiment shows how the application of an electric field changes the birefringence of the crystal, resulting in a shift of the interference pattern observed through crossed polarizers. It provides a practical understanding of electro-optic modulation, polarization, birefringence, and crystal optics. Manufactured by Atico Export India.

Principle

The experiment is based on the Pockels Effect, in which the refractive indices of certain electro-optic crystals change linearly with an applied electric field. A linearly polarized laser beam passes through a lithium niobate crystal placed in a conoscopic optical arrangement and is analyzed using a crossed polarizer. The crystal naturally exhibits birefringence, producing an interference pattern of hyperbolic fringes. Applying a voltage changes the refractive index difference between the ordinary and extraordinary rays, causing the interference fringes to shift. At the half-wave voltage, the bright and dark fringes interchange positions.

Objectives

• Demonstrate the Pockels Effect in a lithium niobate crystal.
• Study electro-optic modulation using an external electric field.
• Observe birefringence and interference patterns.
• Measure the shift of interference fringes with applied voltage.
• Determine the half-wave voltage of the electro-optic crystal.
• Understand the relationship between electric fields and optical properties.

System Components

Pockels Cell :

• Quantity: 1

High Voltage Power Supply :

• Output: 10 kV
• Quantity: 1

Linearly Polarized He-Ne Laser :

• Quantity: 1

Lens in Frame :

• Focal Length: 5 mm
• Quantity: 1

Lens in Frame :

• Focal Length: 50 mm
• Quantity: 1

Polarization Filter :

• Quantity: 1

Optical Bench :

• Standardized Profile
• Length: 1 m
• Quantity: 1

Optics Rider :

• Quantity: 5

Translucent Screen :

• Quantity: 1

Saddle Base :

• Quantity: 1

Safety Connecting Lead :

• Length: 10 cm
• Color: Black
• Quantity: 1

Safety Connecting Lead :

• Length: 100 cm
• Color: Red
• Quantity: 1

Safety Connecting Lead :

• Length: 100 cm
• Color: Blue
• Quantity: 1

Lithium Niobate Pockels Cell :

• Demonstrates the electro-optic effect with high sensitivity.

Linearly Polarized He-Ne Laser :

• Provides a stable coherent light source for interference studies.

Precision Optical Alignment :

• Optical bench ensures accurate positioning of all optical components.

High Voltage Operation :

• High-voltage power supply enables observation of electro-optic modulation.

Clear Interference Pattern :

• Produces high-contrast hyperbolic interference fringes for easy observation.

Educational Design :

• Ideal for studying electro-optics, birefringence, polarization, and crystal optics.