Field-induced polarization modulation in shaped-microparticle suspensions

We examine polarization modulation of probe-laser light by a liquid suspension of shaped microparticles that are oriented by a high-frequency electric field. Theory asserts that the polarization characteristics of a probe beam can be dramatically altered by varying either the strength or the direction of the orienting field. Detailed transient and steady-state polarization-modulation experiments that used an aqueous suspension of shaped polytetrafluoroethylene microparticles as the active medium were conducted and confirmed the theory.