HEXA-BEAM Laser Powers Advanced Undergraduate Research
HEXA-BEAM Laser Powers Advanced Undergraduate Research
The research article “Measuring the Faraday effect in olive oil using permanent magnets and Malus’ law” presents a hands-on experimental setup that enables students and educators to investigate the Faraday effect—a magneto-optical phenomenon where the plane of polarisation of light rotates under a magnetic field. The work also reinforces the foundational role of Malus’ law in quantifying polarisation changes.
This experiment has been adopted as a practical teaching module in advanced undergraduate physics labs, helping bridge theory and real-world optical measurement techniques.
Role of the Hexa-Beam Laser
To carry out the measurements, the research team integrated Photonics Technologies’ HEXA-BEAM Laser:
Multi-wavelength capabilities: The Hexa-Beam enables rapid switching between up to six wavelengths without realigning the optical setup—ideal for comparing wavelength-dependent polarisation effects.
Stable optical path: All wavelengths are emitted along a single optical path with consistent polarisation, ensuring accurate and repeatable readings.
Educational optimisation: Its plug-and-play design makes it suitable for lab courses, reducing setup time so students can focus on experiment and analysis.
Experiment Highlights
In the study, researchers used permanent magnets to induce a magnetic field and passed monochromatic light from the Hexa-Beam through samples of olive oil. By analysing how the light’s plane of polarisation changed in response to the applied field, and applying Malus’ law, they were able to quantify the Verdet constant of the medium using accessible lab equipment.
Testimonials
“Measurements of optical rotation as a function of the magnetic field strength were obtained at 7 different wavelengths … using two HEXA-BEAM lasers …which allowed for easy wavelength switching without realignment”
– Measuring the Faraday effect in olive oil using permanent magnets and Malus’ law • Daniel L Carr, Nicholas L R Spong, Ifan G Hughes and Charles S Adams • Published 13 January 2020 • © 2020 European Physical Society
