Light has been hiding a magnetic secret for nearly 200 years

Researchers at Hebrew University have overturned 180 years of scientific understanding by proving that light's magnetic field, not just its electric field, directly contributes to the Faraday Effect. Using advanced calculations on Terbium Gallium Garnet crystal, they found the magnetic component accounts for 17% of light rotation in visible spectrum and 70% in infrared. This discovery shows light can magnetically influence matter rather than simply illuminate it, potentially advancing optical data storage, spintronics, and quantum computing technologies.