Laser polarization-optical detection of the magnetization process of a magnetically ordered crystal

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the use of laser radiation with deep polarization modulation as a method of investigating a magnetically ordered substance. Using a model sample—single-crystal iron borate—as an example, it is shown that this technique can be used to study magnetization processes. A qualitative picture is given of the formation of the polarization-optical response in the sample being magnetized, and the corresponding experimental characteristics are obtained. Sudden changes of the response are recorded that are associated with abrupt reconstruction of the domain structure. The approach thus developed can be useful in studies of the domain structure and of other features of the structure of materials for optoelectronics, nonlinear and magnetooptics, laser engineering, etc.