Numerical calculations of the transient-state linear electric birefringence for a sudden application of an alternating field superimposed on a unidirectional field

Abstract

The transient-state linear electric birefringence for a sudden application of alternating field E₀ cos(ωt) superimposed on a unidirectional field E_c has been studied numerically by making use of the Runge–Kutta method. The effect of the field strength on the birefringence is obtained for several ratios of the contribution of the permanent dipole moment and the induced dipole moment. The relative contribution of a unidirectional field E_c compared with the field strength E₀ is evaluated. All results are compared with the linear response on the pure sinusoidal electric field E₀ cos(ωt). This study is based on the rotational Smoluchowski equation for a symmetrical body.