Oliver Hagedorn

Magneto-optical visualization of metal-loss defects in a ferromagnetic plate: experimental verification of theoretical modeling

Rare-earth iron garnet films with in-plane magnetic anisotropy grown on [111]-oriented substrates are promising for the visualization of magnetic leakage fields in nondestructive evaluation. Such magneto-optical films have to be specifically engineered, and we give an example of this technology. To assess the validity and accuracy of finite-element calculations of a magnetization assembly combined with the physical modeling of the image formation, comparisons between calculated and experimentally obtained magneto-optical images of metal-loss defects have been made. A convincing quantitative agreement is demonstrated. It is shown that both physical and computer modeling techniques allow for a predictive engineering design of the prospective applications and provide greater insight into the method.

Characterization and optimization of magnetic garnet films for magneto-optical visualization of magnetic field distributions

Rare-earth iron garnet films with in-plane anisotropy grown on (111)-oriented substrates can be used as magneto-optical indicator films for visualization of magnetic leakage fields in nondestructive evaluation. The influence of Faraday rotation, Faraday ellipticity, absorption and film thickness on the performance of a magneto-optical indicator film is investigated. A new optimization method is introduced and compared with the method of contrast optimization. The theory is experimentally verified and an application example is presented.

Feasibility of magneto-optic flaw visualization using thin garnet films

We investigate the feasibility of using rare-earth iron garnet films grown on (111)-oriented substrates as magneto-optic indicator films for the visualization of magnetic leakage fields in non-destructive evaluation. In most cases the leakage field of the defect has a strong component in the film plane. The influence of this in-plane dc magnetic field on the image formation is investigated. It is shown that the presence of a strong in-plane magnetic field allows one to extend the dynamic range of the out-of-plane field imposed by the uniaxial anisotropy field HA. On the other hand, an in-plane field reduces the sensitivity. The guidelines for selecting parameters of magneto-optic indicator films are given.

Optimization of Magnetic Garnet Films for Magneto-Optical Imaging of Magnetic Field Distributions

Rare-earth iron garnet films are currently applied for magneto-optical imaging of magnetic field distributions. The physical properties of the films can be controlled by the chemical composition, the growth conditions and the crystallographic orientation. The sensor properties must be optimized according to the application desired. A new optimization method is introduced based on the swing of the photoresponse. An application example is presented. Furthermore, the sensitivity can be strongly enhanced using specific crystallographic orientations which induce an easy plane of magnetization being tilted with respect to the film plane. Experimental results of a [112] oriented garnet film are in good agreement with calculations. The influence of the cubic anisotropy on the sensor performance is discussed. Finally, it is shown that also domain films can be applied for magneto-optical imaging.

Preparation and Characterization of Sensitive Magnetic Garnet Films for MOI Applications

Magnetic garnet films prepared by liquid phase epitaxy on paramagnetic substrates of gadolinium gallium garnet are currently used for the imaging of magnetic field distributions. This application is based on the Faraday rotation which can be strongly enhanced by bismuth incorporation. For gray scale imaging the plane of the sensor film should be an easy plane of magnetization so that no domains nucleate. However, incorporation of bismuth induces a strong positive uniaxial anisotropy perpendicular to the film plane, especially if films of [111] orientation are used. To counteract this unwanted behavior neodymium and/or praseodymium are substituted in addition to bismuth. These two elements cause a very strong negative anisotropy. This is tested experimentally by growing series of garnet films with gradually changing composition and growth parameters.