Electrooptic

/ɪˌlɛktrəˈɑptɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the interaction between electrical fields and light, particularly how electric fields can change the way light behaves.

Etymology

Combination of 'electro-' (electricity) and 'optic' (from Greek optikos, relating to vision/light). The field emerged in the 20th century as physicists studied how light and electricity interact.

Kelly Says

Liquid crystal displays in your phone work through the electrooptic effect—electricity rearranges liquid crystals to control how much light passes through, creating the images you see on screen.

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