Rotation of the polarization of light as a tool for investigating the collisional transfer of angular momentum from rotating molecules to macroscopic gas flows

We present a detailed theoretical and experimental study of the rotation plane polarization light traveling through gas fast-spinning molecules. This effect is similar to drag phenomenon predicted by Fermi century ago it mechanical analog Faraday effect. In our experiments, molecules were spun up an optical centrifuge brought super-rotor state that retains its for relatively long time. Polarizability properties fast-rotating analyzed considering rotational Doppler Coriolis forces. used molecular dynamics simulations account intermolecular collisions. found, both experimentally theoretically, nontrivial nonmonotonic time dependence angle. reflects transfer angular momentum from rotating macroscopic flow, which may lead birth vortices. Moreover, we show long-term behavior sensitive details potential. Thus, appears as novel diagnostic tool characterization interaction potentials studies collisional processes in gases.