Strain-magneto-optics of a magnetostrictive ferrimagnet CoFe2O4

We experimentally demonstrate that in magnetostrictive ferrimagnetic single crystal of CoFe2O4 there is clear correlation between magnetostriction and magnetoreflection of unpolarized light in the infrared range. The influence of magnetic field on specular reflection is likely to be indirect: application of a magnetic field results in strong strain and deformation of the crystal lattice, which leads to the change in electron energy structure and hence reflection spectrum.