Optical Magnetoelectric Effect in Multiferroic Materials: Evidence for a Lorentz Force Acting on a Ray of Light
arXiv:cond-mat/0507593 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.95.237402
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.
4 pages, 2 figures. The title is changed