Magnetization Reversal and Magnetic Domain Structures in Gd–Yb–BIG Crystals

We report about magneto-optical studies of magnetization reversal processes and magnetic domain structures in rare-earth Bi-substituted iron garnets in a wide temperature range. Measurements were done by a standard magneto-optical technique in Faraday geometry. Changes of both hysteresis loops shape and magnetic domain structures with temperatures indicate the presence of the branching domain structures above 130 K and the compensation temperature at 96 K.