Optical Magnetoelectric Effect in Multiferroic Materials: Evidence for a Lorentz Force Acting on a Ray of Light
- Resource Type
- Working Paper
- Authors
- Sawada, Kei; Nagaosa, Naoto
- Source
- Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 237402 (2005)
- Subject
- Condensed Matter - Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
- Language
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.
Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures. The title is changed