Magneto-electric phenomena in atoms and molecules

Abstract

Traditional nonlinear optics emphasizes processes driven by the electric field of light at moderately high intensities while generally ignoring dynamic magnetic effects. High frequency magnetism is generally associated with metamaterials or bulk magneto-electric solids. However, magneto-electric interactions can achieve magnetic response at the molecular level in essentially all dielectric materials. Classical and quantum models of nonlinear interactions driven by the combined forces of optical electric and magnetic fields are reviewed in this paper. Experimental conditions are also identified under which electric and magnetic field-driven interactions induce enhanced magnetic dipole response as well as a longitudinal Hall effect. Several mechanisms that account for dynamic enhancement of magnetic response are identified, including a torque-driven exchange of orbital angular momentum for rotational angular momentum. Experiments on this topic are summarized, and connections are established between electric and magneto-electric susceptibilities. The review concludes by anticipating novel photonic technology reliant on dynamic magneto-electric effects.