Magnetically textured γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles in a silica gel matrix: Optical and magneto-optical properties

Optical and magneto-optical properties of maghemite superparamagnetic particles dispersed (f=0.28 vol % γ-Fe2O3) in a silica gel matrix have been studied at room temperature in the 1.5–3.7 eV spectral range. A permanent optical anisotropy can be induced when applying a magnetic field during the sol-gel freezing process. The permanent linear dichroism and birefringence in such in-plane magnetically textured samples are attentively studied. The spectral dispersion of Faraday effects in our textured samples is analyzed taking into account the in-plane optical anisotropy. Such a composite material is a promising candidate for future magneto-optical applications.