Coherent Backscattering of light in a magnetic field

TL;DR

This paper investigates how an external magnetic field influences coherent backscattering of light, revealing a decrease in backscattering intensity near resonances due to magneto-optical effects within Mie scatterers.

Contribution

It introduces a rigorous Mie theory-based model for magneto-optical effects on coherent backscattering, extending previous point-scatterer approaches and analyzing cone shape modifications.

Findings

Magnetic field causes a decrease in backscattering intensity.

Resonances amplify the magneto-optical effects.

Shape of the backscattering cone is altered by magnetic field.

Abstract

This paper describes how coherent backscattering is altered by an external magnetic field. In the theory presented, magneto-optical effects occur inside Mie scatterers embedded in a non-magnetic medium. Unlike previous theories based on point-like scatterers, the decrease of coherent backscattering is obtained in leading order of the magnetic field using rigorous Mie theory. This decrease is strongly enhanced in the proximity of resonances, which cause the path length of the wave inside a scatterer to be increased. Also presented is a novel analysis of the shape of the backscattering cone in a magnetic field.