Image Formation by Magneto-optic Effects

Abstract

The observation of magnetic domain structures by means of the Faraday and Kerr effect is described in terms of geometrical and physical optics; experimental techniques and theoretical explanations depend on the magnetic and optical properties of the investigated materials. Two methods are presented considering magnetization objects by means of Kirchhoff's diffraction theory. Starting from the calculation of intensities and polarization states of the diffraction by a magnetization grating, experiments are discussed concerning Fraunhofer diffraction and dark-field observation, artefacts in the image of domains, multiple diffraction by thick specimens, object functions available by magnetic structures and the applications for the investigation of magnetization reversal processes and data processing.