Sensors and actuators on orthoferrites

A review of magneto-optical (MO) principles applications in electric current (magnetic field) meters and angle measuring devices is presented. MO principles exhibit the advantage of both excellent electromagnetic compatibility and high bandwidth. Orthoferrites are transparent magnets characterized by a number of unique features (very high values of MO figure of merit - 99% transparency for a 45/spl deg/ rotator at 1520 nm, and high quality factor, extremely high domain wall velocities - up to 20 km/s) promising their use for the development of various innovative micro-technological devices with improved characteristics.