Magnetization reversal and aftereffect in orthoferrites

摘要

A magnetic aftereffect of several μs duration has been discovered in 1.2 mm thick samples of yttrium orthoferrite crystals cut perpendicularly to the optical axis at 1.3 μm wavelength. The aftereffect is associated with nucleation and expansion of oppositely magnetized domains that occur in a monodomain sample after removal of an external magnetic field. Magnetization reversal processes are visualized in a Faraday setup and studied by measuring the temporal dependence of the state of polarization of a transmitted light beam.