Some observations on the Kerr effect in suspensions of bentonite

Apparatus is described which allows continuous electro-optic signals to be obtained from aqueous suspensions of bentonite. A radiofrequency-field generator and external electrodes are used to allow the suspension to be contained in an all-glass cell. The magnitude of the response is found to depend both on cation charge and on concentration. There appears to be little chemical selectivity save under circumstances which cause the ion population available to the suspension to be depleted.