Domain structure in YIG films subjected to magnetic fields and stresses

Magnetic domain structure in epitaxial YIG films was investigated using Faraday effect and Bitter method. These experiments have shown complex structures of closure domains. The influence of in-plane magnetic fields and stresses on the magnetization position was measured. The observed variation was interpreted in the light of a simple theory involving anisotropy, magnetostriction and magnetostatic energies. A new determination of the induced stress was inferred from this study, X-ray experiments were also performed. Interfacial dislocations have been observed which are consistent with the rather small value found for the stress.