Magneto-Optics: Its Past and Present

A very brief survey is made of the research conducted on magneto-optics in recent years. A highly Bi-substituted rare earth iron garnet is described as a candidate magneto-optical material. PtMnSb, representing a new type of metallic magneto-optical material, is grown in thin film form for use in magneto-optical recording media. Semi-magnetic semiconductors such as CdMnTe are also new candidates for uses in other areas. Applications as magneto-optical device elements in various areas of optoelectronics also show great promise.