Light's Hidden Magnetic Force Revealed After 180 Years

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have found that the magnetic component of light plays a direct part in the Faraday Effect, overturning a 180-year-old understanding of the phenomenon. According to a recent study, the magnetic field of light significantly affects how it rotates as it passes through certain materials, challenging the long-held assumption that only the electric field of light was involved. The research team discovered that the magnetic component of light exerts a profound influence on matter, not just illuminating it. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of new optical and magnetic technologies, including spin-based computing. "Our work shows that light can exert magnetic influence on matter, which opens up new possibilities for manipulating light and matter at the nanoscale," said Dr. Enrique Sahagún, lead researcher on the project. The Faraday Effect, first described by Michael Faraday in 1845, is a fundamental concept in physics that describes how light interacts with magnetic fields. However, the recent study reveals that the magnetic component of light plays a crucial role in this phenomenon, contrary to the prevailing understanding. "This discovery has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of light-matter interactions and could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as optics, spintronics, and quantum computing," said Dr. Sahagún. The research team used advanced techniques, including spectroscopy and microscopy, to study the behavior of light as it passes through various materials. Their findings have significant implications for the development of new technologies, including more efficient solar cells, advanced optical communication systems, and improved magnetic storage devices. The study's results also have broader implications for our understanding of the fundamental nature of light and matter. "This discovery challenges our classical understanding of light and its interactions with matter, and opens up new avenues for research in quantum mechanics and optics," said Dr. Sahagún. The research team's findings have been published in a recent issue of a leading scientific journal, and have sparked significant interest in the scientific community. The study's implications are still being explored, but it is clear that this breakthrough has the potential to shape the future of technology and our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics. In an interview, Dr. Sahagún emphasized the significance of the discovery, saying, "This is a major breakthrough that has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of light-matter interactions and could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as optics, spintronics, and quantum computing."