electro-optic effect

The electro-optic effect is a phenomenon where an electric field changes the way a material interacts with light. When an electric voltage is applied to certain materials, their internal structure shifts slightly, altering how they bend or slow down light passing through them. This effect is used in devices like modulators and switches in fiber optic communications, enabling precise control of light signals by simply adjusting the electric field. It bridges electrical signals and optical systems, facilitating high-speed data transmission and advanced optical technologies.