IMAGE PROCESSING-BASED DETECTION OF OBSERVABLE FARADAY ROTATION IN COHERENT SUNLIGHT

Abstract

This work presents a novel demonstration of the optical Faraday effect using spatially coherent sunlight, providing an alternative to traditional laser-based approaches. The beam was directed through a Terbium Gallium Garnet (TGG) magneto-optic crystal under a tunable magnetic field (-0.5 to 0.5 T). The polarization rotation was visualized through a linear polarizer that produced a split-lobe intensity pattern whose angular shift was directly related to the applied magnetic field. Experimental results showed a linear dependence of the rotation angle on the magnetic field magnitude and were in close agreement with theoretical predictions. This work validates the feasibility of utilizing natural sunlight for high-precision magneto-optic experiments, overcoming the limitations associated with artificial coherent sources. The methodology not only advances the fundamental understanding of light-matter interactions but also highlights practical applications in developing field-deployable optical devices such as magnetic field sensors and sunlight-powered isolators. By combining classical magneto-optic principles with innovative imaging techniques, this research opens avenues for sustainable, costeffective optical technologies that utilize natural light sources.