Strain-magneto-optics of a magnetostrictive ferrimagnetic CoFe2O4

Significant magnetoreflection of unpolarized light in magnetostrictive ferrimagnetic single crystal of CoFe2O4 has been revealed in the infrared spectral range. The magnetoreflection effect in CoFe2O4 is up to 4% in a relatively small magnetic field. We experimentally demonstrate clear correlation between magnetostriction and magnetoreflection of light in CoFe2O4 ferrite. The influence of a magnetic field on specular reflection is likely to be indirect: application of a magnetic field results in strong strains and deformations of the crystal lattice, which lead to the change in electron energy structure and hence reflection spectrum of CoFe2O4 crystal - strain-magneto-optics.