Sign conventions in magneto-optical calculations and measurements

Abstract

A brief outline is given of the multiplicity of sign conventions appearing in the literature in association with theoretical and experimental topics concerning magneto-optics. It is shown that there are essentially two competing schemes available for the description of magneto-optical effects and that these are not, in all respects, entirely equivalent. A summary of these sign conventions is presented, and reasons are given for the adoption of a particular preferred scheme.