Analyzer-free, intensity-based, wide-field magneto-optical microscopy

In conventional Kerr and Faraday microscopy, the sample is illuminated with plane-polarized light, a magnetic domain contrast generated by an analyzer making use of or rotation. Here, we demonstrate possibilities analyzer-free magneto-optical microscopy based on magnetization-dependent intensity modulations light. (i) The transverse effect can be applied for in-plane magnetized material, as demonstrated FeSi sheet. (ii) Illuminating that circularly polarized light leads to different symmetry from contrast. (iii) Circular polarization also used perpendicularly garnet ultrathin CoFeB films. (iv) Plane-polarized at specific angle employed both perpendicular media. (v) Perpendicular incidence materials quadratic in magnetization boundary (vi) Domain even obtained without polarizer. cases (iii), circular dichroism (i.e., differential absorption left- right-circularly induced components along direction propagation), while linear (differential linearly propagation) responsible case (v). domain–boundary due gradient effect. A arise interference phase-shifted amplitudes. An explanation these phenomena provided terms Maxwell–Fresnel theory.