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Optical Magnetoelectric Effect in Multiferroic Materials: Evidence for a Lorentz Force Acting on a Ray of Light

Kei Sawada·Naoto Nagaosa
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Abstract

We theoretically propose that the optical analog of a Lorentz force acting on a ray of light is realized in multiferroic materials such as GaFeO$_3$ showing the magnetoelectric effect. The toroidal moment plays the role of a ``vector potential" while its rotation corresponds to a "magnetic field" for photons. Hence, the light is subject to the Lorentz force when propagating through the domain wall region of the ferromagnetic or ferroelectric order. A realistic estimate on the magnitude of this effect is given.

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Kei Sawada, Naoto Nagaosa. 2005-12-03. Optical Magnetoelectric Effect in Multiferroic Materials: Evidence for a Lorentz Force Acting on a Ray of Light. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.95.237402

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