Kerr constant of multi-subunit particles and semiflexible, wormlike chains.

A formalism is developed for the Kerr constant of particles composed of subunits whose electro-optical properties have axial symmetry. A protocol is devised for the calculation of the Kerr constant from the dipole moments and the electrical and optical polarizabilities of the subunits. The conformational average is required if the particle is flexible. Based on that formalism, the Kerr constant of semiflexible, wormlike chains is calculated with the help of a discrete version to which the previous formalism is applied. The required conformational averages are evaluated by means of Monte Carlo simulation. Thus we obtain expressions for the Kerr constant of wormlike particles over the whole range of conformations.