Reversible Magnetization of Ferrite-Garnet Film by Polarized Light

The effect of low-powered polarized light on magnetic characteristics of ferrimagnetic garnet films has been studied at room temperatures by means of magneto-optical Faraday effect. A local magnetization of the film, occurred under the illumination, was carried out in the direction determined by orientation of polarization vector. The effect, accompanied by the domain structure reconstruction, caused also changes of the mechanical strain and dichroism. The spectral, polarization, amplitude and temperature dependences were investigated in order to explain the-origin of such a photomagnetic effect. Peculiarities of the effect and their correlation with parameters of the films and illuminated light are discussed in terms of the developed early models, based on light induced recharging of the polarization-sensitive anisotropic centres. The additional magnetostriction mechanism is assumed to be responsible for displaying of the observed phenomena.