Abstract

The electro-optical coefficient of zincblende is measured by using the Senarmont compensator method for various wavelengths between 404 and 644 mμ and the application of the crystal to light modulator of wide optical aperture is discussed. The electro-optical coefficient is found to be 5.9×10−8 cm/statvolt at room temperature for wavelength of 546 mμ. The voltage for obtaining half-wave retardation is about 10 kv.