Zur Beugung des Lichtes an Magnetisierungsstrukturen

The observation of ferromagnetic domains by means of the Faraday- and Kerr-effect is discussed in terms of physical optics. According to this concept, the effect of the analyzer is described as transforming the magnetization structure into an absorbing and phase-changing object. It is calculated that a magnetization structure gives rise to diffraction phenomena and that the diffracted light is polarized perpendicular to the incident wave. This result is confirmed by experimental observation of Fraunhofer diffraction patterns caused by a “ferromagnetic grating”.