Abstract

Through a consistent use of thermodynamics it is shown that the intrinsic piezo-optical and thermo-optical coefficients of crystals are not directly measurable. They are interrelated; for their determination, both piezo- and thermo-optical experiments are necessary. The analysis of the rotatory power as a function of pressure or temperature is based on the well-accepted coupled-oscillator model of optical activity. Similar analysis for the index of refraction is based on the Drude-type oscillator model of dielectric dispersion. The interpretation of previously reported experimental work should be reconsidered.

© 1974 Optical Society of America

Effects of temperature and pressure on the rotatory dispersion of Bi₁₂GeO₂₀

R. Greenwald and E. Anastassakis
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 65(4) 446-450 (1975)

Piezo- and thermo-optical properties of Bi₁₂GeO₂₀, I. Optical rotatory dispersion*

P. Hennessey and K. Vedam
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 65(4) 436-441 (1975)

Piezo- and thermo-optical properties of Bi₁₂GeO₂₀. III. The dispersion theories and models

P. Hennessey and K. Vedam
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 69(2) 352-356 (1979)

Pressure and Temperature Variation of the Optical Rotatory Power of α-Quartz*

K. Vedam and T. A. Davis
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 58(11) 1451-1455 (1968)

Power transfer between nonparallel and tapered optical fibers

Peter D. McIntyre and Allan W. Snyder
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 64(3) 285-288 (1974)