Direct Imaging of Two Dimensional Magnetic Patterns With Sub-Micron Resolution Using Thin Garnet Films With Giant Magneto-Optical Effect

The garnet films can be used for direct (non-scanning) imaging of two dimensional magnetic patterns. This paper describes the correlation between the quality of these images and the magneto-optical properties of the films. From here, the optimum garnet film compositions are derived with the goal of enhancing the imaging sensitivity and resolution. In this case, the image was formed by rotation of magnetization yielding. Magneto-optical measurements indicated a Faraday rotation between -0.7 and -2.5 deg/mum. The magnetization was measured using VSM and ranged between 20 and 600 G. Optical inspection of the samples indicates that the magnetic domain structures range from out-of-plane stripes to large uniform in-plane domains.