Magnetization reversal and aftereffect in orthoferrites

A magnetic aftereffect of several mus duration has been discovered in 1.2 mm thick samples of yttrium orthoferrite crystals cut perpendicularly to the optical axis at 1.3 mum 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. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.