Eur. Phys. J. B 17, 171-185 (2000)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s100510070174

Magnetic field effects on coherent backscattering of light

¹ University of Konstanz, Box 5560, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
² Institut Charles Sadron, 6 rue Boussingault, 67083 Strasbourg Cedex, France

Received: 28 January 2000
Published online: 15 September 2000

Abstract

We have studied the influence of magneto-optical Faraday rotation on coherent backscattering of light experimentally, theoretically and by computer simulations of Monte-Carlo type. The consistency of these three approaches reveals new aspects of the propagation of vector waves in turbid media with and without Faraday rotation. Experimentally, we have demonstrated that the Faraday rotation may almost completely destroy the reciprocity of light paths. However, as shown by the simulations, the cone of coherent backscattering may not only be destroyed but also shifted off the exact backscattering direction, parallel to the magnetic field, as long as the amount of circular polarization is not completely destroyed by the multiple scattering. The relationship between coherent backscattering, depolarization and Faraday rotation are explained by a simple path model of vector waves. This leads to a new characteristic correlation length required to properly describe the influence of Faraday rotation on multiple light scattering.