Refraction of light — UPSC Physics Optional CSE 1992 Paper I

Give an outline of Fresnel's explanation of optical rotation. How does optical rotation due to a material vary with \lambda? For an optically active material the difference between the refractive indices for right-handed and left-handed vibrations (\mu_R - \mu_L) for \lambda = 4500\text{ \AA} is 12 \times 10^{-5}. Estimate the optical rotation caused by 1\text{mm} thick plate in light of 1 = 4500\text{ \AA}. [Assume (m_R - m_L) as independent of \mu.]