Thermo-optical and magneto-optical characteristics of CeF3 crystal

Thermo-optical and magneto-optical characteristics of a uniaxial CeF3 crystal have been investigated. Its optical anisotropy parameter, magneto-optical figure of merit, and the ratio of the thermo-optical constants P and Q have been measured. The found characteristics have been compared with the corresponding values for the TGG crystal. Based on the obtained results it has been concluded that, despite its anisotropy, the CeF3 crystal is promising material for the development of Faraday isolators for high-power lasers.