Faraday rotation in media stratified parallel to the direction of propagation

Abstract

The effect on Faraday rotation of stratification in an ionized medium parallel to the direction of propagation is examined. An expression suitable for a general inhomogeneity profile is obtained in a series form. A closed-form solution is also discussed with reference to a lens-like medium described by a parabolic inhomogeneity profile. The departure of rotation from the first-order value is shown to have a strong dependence on the nature of the inhomogeneity distribution. Near the focal points within a focusing medium, the Faraday effect is found to exhibit an anomalous behavior in that rotation changes sign through a large swing in amplitude.