Rare earth–transition metal compound-based MOSLM for the visible spectral range

Abstract

We have demonstrated a magneto-optical spatial light modulator in which functionality is realized by (i) heating up to Curie temperature ( T c) magneto-optical elements (pixels) with a semiconductor laser and (ii) application of a switching magnetic field. The pixels were made of films of amorphous rare earth–transition metal compounds (TbFe films with T c=403 K and DyFe films with T c=343 K) having good magneto-optical responses for wavelengths from the visible spectral range. We have found that the magnetization direction of pixels can be modulated with a laser radiation density of 5 mJ/cm 2 and in a switching magnetic field of 15 Oe.