Magneto-optical effects and materials

The development of magnetometry and magneto-optical imaging techniques is closely linked to advances in applications for optical telecommunications, optical signal processing, optical sensors and optical information storage. New challenges now arise, such as testing components for spin electronics (see [E2135] ). Most applications make use of the unique properties of magneto-optics: sensitivity, spatial and temporal resolution and non-reciprocity of effects.

Strong interest in the use of magneto-optics has led to a renewed drive to achieve a deeper understanding of the interaction between light and matter in magnetic materials. The classical theory of magneto-optical effects under field conditions is presented, while the quantum aspect is required to interpret the effects in magnetized materials. A promising new technique, non-linear magneto-optics on second harmonic optical generation (MOGSH), has been in use since 1996. It can be used to test the magnetism of interfaces buried in multilayer structures. Magneto-optical investigation of the static and dynamic properties of thin-film structures and nanostructures is also booming. In addition, new materials, such as magnetophotonic crystals, have opened up new avenues of research. They exhibit exacerbated magneto-optical effects, especially when combined with magnetoplasmonic structures.

In this article, the origin of magneto-optical effects is reviewed and the magneto-optical constants of commonly used materials are listed. New hybrid materials, such as magneto photonic crystals [NM2020] , [AF3710][AF3711] and magnetoplasmonic structures