LIGHT-SCATTERING IN A THIN-FILM OF A MIXTURE OF DIELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FLUIDS UNDER AN ELECTROMAGNETIC-FIELD

Light scattering in a thin film of a mixture of dielectric and magnetic fluids has been studied under both electric and magnetic fields. The film can transmit visible light in no electric field. When an electric field is applied across the film, the transmittance decreases rapidly. The phenomenon is explained by Rayleigh scattering due to the dielectric clusters formed under the field. The decay time to return to the transmittance at no electric field after switching off the field is much larger than the response time after switching on the field; however, the usage of a magnetic as well as an electric field allows the decay time to be shortened.