Observation of magneto-optical effects in blue phase system

Light polarization measurements under magnetic field in the temperature region of the existence of the blue phases including the supercooling region for cholesteryl nonanoate are performed. Magnetic field has a strong influence on optical rotation in the pretransitional region of the supercooled blue phase. Negligible magnetic field influence was observed in the region of the blue phases stability. A high ellipticity of the light polarization in the supercooled blue phase in zero field was found. Magnetic field decreases the temperature region of supercooling. The possible mechanisms of the observed phenomena are discussed.