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Electro-optics is a branch of technology involving components, devices and systems which operate by modification of the optical properties of a material by an electric field. Thus it concerns the interaction between the electromagnetic (optical) and the electrical (electronic) states of materials.
Electro-optical devices
The electro-optic effect relates to a change in the optical properties of the medium which usually is a change in the birefringence and not simply the refractive index. In a Kerr cell, the change in birefringence is proportional to the square of the electric field, and the material is usually a liquid.
In a Pockels cell, the change in birefringence varies linearly with the electric field, and the material is a crystal.
Terminology
"Electro-optic" is often erroneously used as a synonym for "optoelectronic".
Reference
Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188 and from the Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms
External Links
"Electro-optics"